What Is Mesothelioma

 

 

Mesothelioma Victims Center's Mesothelioma Victims Bill of Rights Now Names The Top Mesothelioma Attorneys For Any US …

The Mesothelioma Victims Center is the only group, or organization in the nation, that will provide individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, or their family members with the names, and contact information for the best mesothelioma cancer treatment physicians, or medical practice groups, that have experience treating mesothelioma cancer victims in the specific area of the mesothelioma victim. Because the best mesothelioma attorneys get the best compensation for their clients, the Mesothelioma Victims Center will also provide a victim of mesothelioma, or their family members with the names, and contact information for the most successful mesothelioma attorneys, or mesothelioma trial attorneys in the nation. The group says, “No other group in the nation will provide an individual diagnosed with mesothelioma, or their loved ones with more free services, and quality matters. Our Mesothelioma Victims Bill of Rights is just one example, of how passionate we are about providing the absolute best service for a victim of mesothelioma, or their family members.” For more information individuals, or family members dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via its web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

 

Texas Mesothelioma Lawsuit Filed By Heirs

Texas Mesothelioma Lawsuit Filed By Heirs
06/26/2012 Mesothelioma Lawsuit filed in the 162nd District of Dallas County Texas. The Mesothelioma Lawsuit was filed by the Heirs of the Estate of Edward Fox. The plaintiffs in the Cases include Alcatel Lucent USA Inc. as well as other defendants.
The case was filed by a group of Texas Mesothelioma Attorneys behalf of the Heirs of Edward Fox, the mesothelioma cancer victim, as Mr. Fox passed away as a result of mesothelioma cancer, caused by asbestos exposure. The suit alleges that the defendants exposed Mr. Fox to asbestos during his employment directly with the defendants or as a result of the defendants actions.
Alcatel USA Inc. is the successor of Western Electric, which allegedly manufactured products containing asbestos. The The Mesothelioma Lawyer group that filed the Mesothelioma Lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiffs also named Guardline Inc. alleging that Guardline made asbestos containing products to which Mr. Fox was exposed to.
The Mesothelioma Lawsuit alleges that Mr. Fox was exposed to asbestos by the defendants between 1973 and up until his retirement in 1997. The suit alleges that Mr. Fox was exposed to asbestos by the defendants numerous times and that this exposure to Asbestos led to Mr. Fox contracting Mesothelioma Cancer. It is also alleged the Mr. Fox died as a result of Mesothelioma Cancer and that the defendants are liable for his death.
The plaintiffs seek to hold the defendants jointly and severly liable under the doctrines of enterprise liability, market-share liability, concert of action, and alternative liability. The Mesothelioma Lawyer group which filed the case contends that they do not have to identify any particular asbestos exposure event and base their suit on the points of law stated above.
If you or a family member were exposed to asbestos and developed Mesothelioma Cancer or Asbestosis, please contact us for information on filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit. Contact (800) 611-7080 to arrange a free consultation.

Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer and High Court Ruling

The Texas Supreme Court ruling earlier this month which effectively relieved Pharmaceutical Companies of the responsibility of warning Texas residents of the dangers, side effects and risks associated with their products opened many questions for Texas Lawyers.
One Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer we spoke with does not think that the ruling will have as much of an impact as many Texas Lawyers originally thought and the ruling should have no effect on Mesothelioma Lawsuit cases filed in Texas.
The Texas Supreme Court ruling was focused on a Pharmaceutical Companies responsibility to warn the consumer about the risks and dangers associated with their products, stating in effect that as long as the Pharmaceutical Company gave adequate warnings about the risk and side effects of their products to prescribing physicians then they have met their responsibility with regard to warnings. Although many in the legal community consider this ruling to be contrary to the intent of consumer protection laws, it may actually have little effect on future lawsuits against Pharmaceutical Companies as Texas Lawyers will now just add the fact that the manufacturer did not warn prescribing physicians of the risks and side effects of their products along with any claim about failing to warn consumers. Given that any warnings regarding risks and side effects known to a pharmaceutical manufacturer regarding one of their products must be reported to the FDA, the situation in which prescribing physicians would be warned and the public not warned of a given risk or side effect of a drug is unlikely.
In that Mesothelioma Lawsuits do not generally involve failure to warn claims of the nature that are common to Mesothelioma Lawsuit cases, it is unlikely that the recent Texas Supreme court ruling is anything that Texas Mesothelioma Lawyers will have to contend with in the filing of Texas Mesothelioma Lawsuits.
If you have questions about Texas Mesothelioma Lawsuits or would like to arrange a free consultation with a Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer, please contact us at (800) 611-7080

The First Step in Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney

 Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma often comes as a devastating and unexpected blow.  Mesothelioma is a fairly rare form of malignancy caused by prior exposure to asbestos (hence the nickname ‘asbestos cancer.’)  There are two parallel paths a patient is recommended to take immediately upon diagnosis:  one, finding the best medical treatment and two, finding the best asbestos attorney to file a mesothelioma lawsuit and asbestos bankruptcy trust claim.    While our website has extensive information on finding a mesothelioma specialist, this article speaks to the latter – choosing a mesothelioma law firm that will represent you and your family in the best way possible with the greatest degree of success.
The first, and most important, step is choosing a law firm that specializes in handling asbestos lawsuits.  There are many attorneys and even big law firms who claim to have the ability to serve clients who have mesothelioma, however it takes an attorney who has been exclusively litigating asbestos cases over the past few decades.  Why?  Because asbestos litigation is very complicated and complex, necessitating experienced and skilled investigation as well as representation.  Without a law firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases, you’re facing a tremendous and long uphill battle.
Choosing a law firm to represent you and your loved ones is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.  There are many commercials and fancy on line advertisements of law firms trying to get someone diagnosed with mesothelioma to choose them, but they don’t necessarily have the lengthy experience needed to litigate in as timely and successful a fashion as a firm that exclusively handles such cases and has a long history of winning asbestos lawsuits.
Another very real advantage to clients when they choose a firm that specializes in asbestos lawsuits is that the attorneys will truly understand what the family is going through.  They will not only offer a higher degree of personal service but will also do everything in their power to fight hard on their clients’ behalf so families can focus efforts on getting the best mesothelioma treatment.
Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason have been exclusively handling mesothelioma lawsuits for over 30 years, and our track record of grateful clients and multimillion dollar settlements speaks for itself.  The settlements we have been able to get for our clients have allowed them to access costly treatments and afforded financial security for loved ones in the future.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call 1-800-440-4262 today and speak directly and at no-cost with one of our asbestos attorneys

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin cell walls which surround the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. This thin membrane acts a lubricant within the abdominal cavity so that surrounding organs and internal body structures may contract and expand within their normal body function. Incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma is quite rare, and typically presents in less than 500 individuals in the United States each year.

Other types of mesothelioma include the more common malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurring in the chest wall membrane surrounding the lungs, and malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the pericardial lining of the heart. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second rarest form of the disease and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases each year.

What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was used heavily in industry. Asbestos is said to reach the abdominal wall by one of two methods. The first is through ingested asbestos fibers which are processed through digestion and become lodged in the peritoneum. The other method is through the lungs and lymph nodes, by inhaled asbestos fibers. Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura is also known to metastasize directly into the abdominal cavity if its spread is not slowed.
Many of those who have worked with asbestos materials have developed peritoneal mesothelioma as a result of exposure to friable asbestos fibers. Asbestos was used in myriad industrial materials and construction products. Exposure to asbestos was common in aluminum plants, steel mills, power plants, and naval shipyards.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a relatively rare disease, with only 200-500 diagnoses each year in the United States being documented. Risk however, is sustained in those who have been exposed to asbestos. Even those exposed many years ago are potentially at risk for the development of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Latency between exposure to asbestos and the development of peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be anywhere from 20-50 years. Misdiagnosis is also common because peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms closely mimic minor stomach/abdominal discomfort and hernia. Nevertheless, those with clear asbestos exposure history should be aware of the disease and speak with their doctor or cancer specialist if they believe they may be experiencing symptoms related to mesothelioma.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognosis of mesothelioma patients is poor, and peritoneal mesothelioma patients are no exception. Most peritoneal treatment regimens for patients include palliative methods such as mesothelioma chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, if the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages, patients such as those diagnosed with stage 1 mesothelioma, may be eligible for surgical resection of the disease, which could potentially add years to the initial prognosis.
Surgery is possible for patients diagnosed with earlier-stage disease. Some surgical options include peritonectomy and palliative procedures. Certain physicians, including Dr. David Sugarbaker of the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, have become extremely well versed and experienced in the surgical treatment of malignant mesothelioma. In many cases, surgical treatment for mesothelioma will be coupled with chemotherapy or radiation therapy regimens.
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for mesothelioma disease. Currently, there is only a single chemotherapy regimen (Alimta® (pemetrexed) in conjunction with Cisplatin) approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a prescribed therapy for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. There are however, dozens of clinical trials being conducted for mesothelioma patients experimenting with new drugs, including Gemcitabine, Navelbine, Onconase, and others for the treatment of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Doctors may suspect peritoneal mesothelioma if the patient complains of stomach, chest, or abdominal pain. Suspicious hernias may actually be a peritoneal effusion caused by peritoneal tumor growth. Misdiagnosis is common and patients will likely undergo multiple imaging scans and a diagnostic biopsy before an official diagnosis is made.
Diagnostic procedures in which fluid is extracted from the peritoneum for lab testing are the only way to conclusively diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma. Samples will be examined for the presence of malignant cells. Once malignant cells are detected, further testing will be needed to classify these cells as malignant mesothelioma.

What are a patient's options?

Patients of peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they were harmfully exposed to asbestos. For additional information on your legal rights regarding mesothelioma please fill out the brief form on this page.

Mesothelioma Lawyer

Many multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements in mesothelioma cases

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a stressful experience that raises questions concerning healthcare, the ability to support loved ones and the ability to pay for medical care. A Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyer can help. Having won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for people suffering from mesothelioma, a Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyer has the skill and experience that you can count on.

Mesothelioma Lawyer for the People

People suffering from mesothelioma almost always experienced exposure to asbestos decades prior to being diagnosed. Frequently, the exposure to asbestos occurred in the workplace. Workers such as mechanics, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, sheet metal workers and boilermakers worked with or near asbestos containing products. Asbestos was used in many products because it is strong, flexible and heat resistant. Some asbestos products are: adhesives, cement, brakes, clutches, gaskets, pipe covering, pipe insulation and cement wallboard. Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers have successfully fought for the rights of many retired workers with mesothelioma and assisted them and their families in supporting themselves and paying for cancer care.

A Mesothelioma Lawyer to Fight Injustice by Companies in the Asbestos Industry

Many companies that made or distributed asbestos products knew of the lethal dangers of asbestos but chose to conceal them for the sake of financial profit. It has been reported that as far back as the 1930s, asbestos manufacturers and their insurance companies knew that asbestos was killing workers. Companies in the asbestos industry could have prevented the development of an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma by warning of the dangers of asbestos or providing safety equipment to prevent exposure to asbestos. The failure to do so was unjust. Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers have been fighting this injustice by filing lawsuits against asbestos industry companies to hold them accountable for the deadly harm they caused.

Accomplishments of Weitz & Luxenberg Mesothelioma Lawyers

For decades, Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers have been achieving outstanding accomplishments in mesothelioma disease cases. Many people suffering from mesothelioma have chosen the lawyers of Weitz & Luxenberg to protect their rights. Here are some accomplishments of Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers:

• $53 million verdict won for a brake mechanic suffering from mesothelioma
• $47 million verdict won for boilermaker who died from mesothelioma
• $17 million verdict won after a consolidated trial involving 5 mesothelioma patients
• $44 million verdict won in five asbestos cases, including an $11.6 million award for the widow of a sheet metal worker who died of mesothelioma.

Can I Afford a Weitz & Luxenberg Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Yes. We understand that someone diagnosed with mesothelioma is under extreme stress about their health, providing care for loved ones and their ability to pay for expensive cancer treatment. Many mesothelioma patients are elderly people who have a limited income and are unable to work due to their illness. Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers try to ensure that mesothelioma sufferers are not deprived of legal services due to financial constraints by working on a contingency fee system. Under a contingency fee system, the lawyer does not charge the client anything while the case is active. Once the case reaches a settlement or a verdict, the lawyer deducts case expenses from the settlement amount or verdict obtained for the client. Then, a fraction of the remaining amount is deducted for legal fees. The final remaining amount is provided to the client. If the lawyer fails to obtain a settlement or a favorable verdict for the client, the client does not pay anything.

Our Mesothelioma Lawyers are Here to Help You and Your Family

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, you can turn to the mesothelioma lawyers of Weitz & Luxenberg. Weitz & Luxenberg lawyers have been recognized as the "Best Lawyers of New York" by New York Magazine. The lawyers accept mesothelioma cases from all areas of the U.S. and some regions of Canada. While many lawyers advertise themselves as "mesothelioma lawyers" and simply refer mesothelioma cases to other lawyers, Weitz & Luxenberg lawyers work on mesothelioma cases from beginning to end. To contact a mesothelioma lawyer now, complete the form on this page. We will get in touch with you shortly.

Mesothelioma Law Firm With Proven Asbestos Lawyers Ready To Help Your Family

As one of the best mesothelioma law firms, the Simmons Firm has a proven track record.  Every asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer at the Simmons Law Firm is committed to helping families affected by mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. Our mesothelioma attorneys have been working with people diagnosed with mesothelioma for nearly a decade, and in that time our mesothelioma attorneys have represented thousands of individuals from all areas of the United States.

 

Our asbestos lawyers have seen firsthand the pain a mesothelioma diagnosis can cause and are passionate about helping victims and families affected by mesothelioma. At the Simmons Law Firm, each asbestos attorney focuses on providing clients with the personal attention they deserve. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our best asbestos lawyers will come to you, no matter your location.
For more information on the mesothelioma lawyers at Simmons Law Firm, please visit the Attorneys page.

Mesothelioma Lawyers - Important Information for Patients

Selecting the best mesothelioma lawyer for your situation is not easy because lawyers have different levels of experience in different areas, are licensed to practice in different jurisdictions, and charge different levels of contingency fees. One way to identify reputable lawyers is to see how they are rated by the various independent attorney rating systems. For example, are they listed in "Best Lawyers in America," "Super Lawyers" or have a high Martindale-Hubbell rating? On contingency fees, are they charging a customary fee or an exorbitant one? And what is their reputation among defense lawyers and defendants? Are they known to settle cases quickly and for modest values or do they have the reputation for holding defendants' "feet to the fire" to maximize settlement values for their clients?

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. It affects the thin, protective membrane surrounding the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity. An estimated 3,000 cases annually are diagnosed in the United States, and the majority of those are traced to an occupational exposure.
Although the use of asbestos has been reduced dramatically in recent decades, the incidence of mesothelioma has remained steady. It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos before obvious symptoms appear and a definitive diagnosis is made. While there still is no cure - and the prognosis is typically poor - significant progress has been made in recent years regarding treatment options and various alternative therapies.

How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma cancer develops after exposure to asbestos, which most often occurs in the workplace –in industrial settings, shipyards, auto repair shops, old houses, schools and public buildings. It takes long-term exposure to make someone at risk, but heavy, short-term asbestos exposure has been known to cause mesothelioma cancer.
Microscopic asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed. The human body has difficulty destroying or getting rid of these fibers. Over decades, the fibers cause biological changes that result in inflammation, scarring and genetic damage. The most susceptible area to these fibers is the lining of the lungs, called the pleura, although fibers also can become trapped in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Once fibers cause biological damage, the stage is set for a 20- to 50-year latency period for mesothelioma to develop.

Types and Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, representing about 75 percent of cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type, consisting of about 10 to 20 percent of cases. Approximately 1 percent of cases are of the pericardial variety. Another rare type known as testicular mesothelioma represents less than 1 percent of cases.

How Mesothelioma is Diagnosed

All patients have a unique path to a diagnosis, but the most important factors to an accurate diagnosis are imaging scans and biopsies. Doctors use several tests to diagnose mesothelioma. Most people initially undergo a basic chest X-ray to check for any abnormalities. If abnormal growth is detected, a doctor will recommend a more detailed imaging scan like a PET scan, CT scan or MRI. If mesothelioma is suspected, a biopsy will be recommended. In a biopsy, a tissue sample is collected to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells.
Blood tests for mesothelioma are also available, but they do not confirm the presence of mesothelioma. Research and development is underway to determine if mesothelioma blood tests can aid in early diagnosis for at-risk former asbestos workers.

Staging

There are at least five systems that doctors use for the staging of pleural mesothelioma. Older systems like those created by Drs. Butchart and Sugarbaker did not classify tumors with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) descriptors, so the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) developed the detailed IMIG staging system in 1995. This system is the most widely used staging system for mesothelioma.

Possible Areas Affected in Each IMIG Mesothelioma Stage

 

Mesothelioma Treatment

Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Many mesothelioma doctors prefer to combine two or more of these treatments, an approach known as multimodal therapy. Clinical trials show this approach has improved survival rates.
Palliative treatments that ease symptoms are quite common for patients of all stages. Experimental therapies like immunotherapy are showing progress for the future of mesothelioma treatment. Additionally, less traditional alternative treatments are available and widely touted by mesothelioma survivors.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

A diagnosis of mesothelioma is most often obtained with careful assessment of clinical and radiological findings in addition to a confirming tissue biopsy. (Learn about typical mesothelioma symptoms.) A review of the patient’s medical history, including history of asbestos exposure is taken, followed by a complete physical examination, x-rays of the chest or abdomen, and lung function tests. A CT scan or MRI may also be done at this time. If any of these preliminary tests prove suspicious for mesothelioma; a biopsy is necessary to confirm this diagnosis.

Imaging Techniques and Their Value in Diagnosing and Assessing Mesothelioma

There are several imaging techniques which may prove useful when malignant mesothelioma is suspected due to the presence of pleural effusion combined with a history of occupational or secondary asbestos exposure. While these imaging techniques can be valuable in assessing the possibility of the cancer, definitive diagnosis is still most often established through fluid diagnosis or tissue biopsy.
Some of the most commonly used imaging methods include:
X-ray
A chest x-ray can reveal pleural effusion (fluid build-up) which is confined to either the right (60%) or left (40%) lung. On occasion, a mass may be seen. Signs of prior non-cancerous asbestos disease, such as pleural plaques or pleural calcification, or scarring due to asbestosis may also be noted.

Computed Tomography (CT)

CT scans are also able to define pleural effusion, as well as pleural thickening, pleural calcification, thickening of interlobular fissures, or possible chest wall invasion. CT, however, is not able to differentiate between changes associated with benign asbestos disease (pleural disease), or differentiate between adenocarcinoma of the lung which may have spread to the pleura verses mesothelioma. CT scans may also be valuable in guiding fine needle aspiration of pleural masses for tissue diagnosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI scans are most often used to determine the extent of tumor prior to aggressive treatment. Because they provide images in multiple planes, they are better able to identify tumors as opposed to normal structures. They are also more accurate than CT scans in assessing enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes (those lymph nodes which lie between the two lungs), as well as a clear diaphragmatic surface, both of which play an important role in surgical candidacy.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET imaging is now becoming an important part of the diagnosis and evaluation of mesothelioma. While PET scans are more expensive than other types of imaging, and are not always covered under insurance, they are now considered to be the most diagnostic of tumor sites, as well as the most superior in determining the staging of mesothelioma. Further explanation of PET scans.

CT/PET

For patients who may be candidates for aggressive multimodality treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation), accurate clinical staging is extremely important. Integrated CT/PET imaging provides a relatively new tool in this respect, and has become the imaging technique of choice for determining surgical eligibility. By combining the benefits of CT and PET (anatomic and metabolic information) into a single scan, this technology can more accurately determine the stage of the cancer, and can help identify the best treatment option for the patient.
A needle biopsy of the mass, or the removal and examination of the fluid surrounding the lung, may be used for diagnosis, however, because these samples are sometimes inadequate as far as determining cell type (epithelial, sarcomatous, or mixed) or because of the unreliability of fluid diagnosis, open pleural biopsy may be recommended. In a pleural biopsy procedure, a surgeon will make a small incision through the chest wall and insert a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. He will then remove a sample of tissue to be reviewed under a microscope by a pathologist. In a peritoneal biopsy, the doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity.
Once mesothelioma is suspected through imaging tests, it is confirmed by pathological examination. Tissue is removed, put under the microscope, and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis, and issues a pathology report. This is the end of a process that usually begins with symptoms that send most people to the doctor: a fluid build-up or pleural effusions, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order an x-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
Over the past decade, the use of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has become one of the most widely used tools in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Biopsies of the pleural lining, nodules, masses and pleural fluid can now easily be obtained using this minimally invasive procedure, and other therapies such as pleurodesis (talc) for pleural effusions can be done concurrently.While the patient is under general anesthesia, several small incisions or “ports” are made through the chest wall. The surgeon then inserts a small camera, via a scope, into one incision, and other surgical instruments used to retrieve tissue samples into the other incisions. By looking at a video screen showing the camera images, the surgeon is able to complete whatever procedures are necessary
In many cases, this video-assisted technique is able to replace thoracotomy, which requires a much larger incision to gain access to the chest cavity, and because it is minimally invasive, the patient most often has less post-operative pain and a potentially shorter recovery period.

Thoracoscopy

For pleural mesothelioma the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital with a local anesthetic or painkiller.
If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your chest and use gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is called thoracentesis.

Peritoneoscopy

For peritoneal mesothelioma the doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic.
If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis.

Biopsy

If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery. More on needle biopsies.

Pathology and The Role of Pathologists in the Diagnostic Process

Pathology, or the scientific study of cells, tissue, or fluid taken from the body is an integral part of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Most hospitals have their own pathology labs staffed by board-certified pathologists and licensed technologists. The importance of pathological diagnosis can not be underestimated, since the course of treatment is dependent upon an accurate diagnosis.
To make a diagnosis, pathologists examine tissue under a microscope, and based on established criteria, make a determination of benign vs. malignant cells. (More on biopsy tissue processing.) Subsequently, the type of cancer is determined. Although most pathologists have a general expertise of various diseases, a small number acquire training in a subspecialty, such as mesothelioma. These are physicians who have received world-wide recognition as premier experts, and have achieved high acclaim for their research, published articles and abstracts, and teaching. For a list of expert pathologists in the field of mesothelioma diagnosis, please call the MW toll free at 1-877-367-6376 or fill in the form at the bottom of this page specifying your request.
Knowing the stage is a factor in helping the doctor form a treatment plan. Mesothelioma is considered localized if the cancer is confined to the pleura, or advanced if it has spread beyond the pleura to other parts of the body such as the lungs, chest wall, abdominal cavity, or lymph nodes.
Immunohistochemical Markers for Mesothelioma
A diagnosis of any specific type of cancer often means ruling out other cancers in the process. This is true in the case of mesothelioma, where the most common “differential diagnosis” is that of adenocarcinoma versus mesothelioma.
During the biopsy procedure, the surgeon removes tissue samples to be sent to the laboratory. In the lab, slides are produced and then viewed and analyzed by a pathologist. These tissue specimens arrive at the lab with a request form that details patient information and history along with a description of the site in the body from which the specimen was obtained. Each individual specimen is numbered for each patient.
The pathologist then does a “gross examination” which consists of describing the tissue, and then placing it in a plastic cassette. The cassettes are then placed in a fixative that preserves the tissue permanently. Once the tissue has been fixed, it is processed into a paraffin block that will allow the pathologist to slice off thin microscopic sections that will then be stained to determine the patient’s diagnosis.
Immunohistochemistry is defined as “a method of analyzing and identifying cell types based on the binding of antibodies to specific components of the cell”. It is this process that helps diagnose mesothelioma versus adenocarcinoma (or other types of cancer).
Early on, the “markers” which helped distinguish mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma were “negative markers”; those expressed in adenocarcinomas, but not in mesotheliomas. This made it more difficult to confirm a diagnosis, because pathologists were dealing with the absence of, rather than the presence of certain markers. Some of these markers, which are normally “positive” in an adenocarcinoma diagnosis and “negative” in a mesothelioma diagnosis, are carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CD 15 (LeuM1), epithelial glycoprotein (Bg8), tumor glycoprotein (BerEp4) and tumor glycoprotein (MOC-31).
In more recent years, “positive markers” expressed by mesotheliomas have come to the forefront. Some of the markers which are normally “positive” in mesotheliomas and “negative” in adenocarcincomas are calretinin, cytokeratin 5, HBME-1, mesothelin, N-cadherin, thrombomodulin, vimentin and Wilm’s tumor gene product (WT-1). In 2009 the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (a collection of doctors specializing in mesothelioma) put forth “Guidelines for pathologic diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.”
It is important to remember that while the above markers are commonly used to help diagnose the epithelial sub-type of mesothelioma, that they may also be expressed in other types of cancer, and may not necessarily apply to the bi-phasic or sarcomatoid sub-types of mesothelioma. Your doctor can always contact a more specialized lab if he/she feels your diagnosis is in any way inconclusive.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific, and may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia, pleural mesothelioma patients may present with shortness of breath, chest pain and/or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. A chest x-ray may show a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion (discussed below). The right lung is affected 60% of the time, with involvement of both lungs being seen in approximately 5% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fever, night sweats and weight loss. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia or swelling of the feet.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THESE SYMPTOMS MAY BE CAUSED BY MESOTHELIOMA OR BY OTHER LESS SERIOUS CONDITIONS. ONLY A DOCTOR CAN MAKE A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Anything that increases your chance of contracting a disease is considered a risk factor. Strong exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for developing skin cancer and smoking is a risk factor in developing lung cancer. In the case of mesothelioma, the primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Nevertheless, just as not everyone exposed to sunlight or tobacco smoke gets cancer, the same holds true for exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, the name for a group of silicate fibers that occur naturally in the environment, was widely used in a variety of industrial products over a period of decades. Up to 8 million Americans may have been exposed at some point in their lives. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), up to 733,000 schools and other public buildings in the U.S. still contain asbestos insulation, and while most uses of asbestos have now been banned, there are still some asbestos-containing products on the market.
Asbestos has been used commercially since the late 1800s, however, its use was greatly increased during the World War II era when shipyards constructing warships were in full swing. Even today, statistics show that the highest number of malignant mesothelioma cases diagnosed are in coastal areas where shipyards were in operation. Other at-risk trades include construction workers (particularly those who installed insulation), factory workers, mine and mill workers and railroad workers. It has also been proven that family members of exposed workers are at increased risk for developing mesothelioma because of secondary exposure to fiber brought into the home on the clothing, hair or skin of those who worked with or around asbestos products. For those ultimately diagnosed with mesothelioma, it may be 20 to 50 or more years to the onset of symptoms, and risk does not appear to diminish with time B — it is lifelong.
While the vast majority of mesotheliomas diagnosed are linked to asbestos exposure, there is the occasional report of patients with a history of Hodgkin’s disease contracting mesothelioma as a result of their radiation therapy. In these cases, mesothelioma develops on an average of 15 years post-treatment, and is most often located at the site of the radiated areas.

Absolute and relative risk

Absolute risk is the probability that an individual will contract a particular disease within a specified period of time. For instance when epidemiologists say that American men face a 1:4000 chance of developing mesothelioma, what they are describing is an absolute risk, as relevant to the average risk or general population group. This statistic is applicable to the general population on the whole, and cannot be associated with any specific person. Different groups of people have different risk estimates. Military veterans past age 60 face a higher absolute risk of developing mesothelioma in comparison to younger men.
Relative risk compares two different groups, with one group facing a specific risk factor whereas the other group does not face any specific risks. For instance, researchers can study two groups of people, with both the groups sharing common characteristics such as same age and socioeconomic profile. However, one group has people who have specific risk factors such as asbestos exposure. The researchers seek to determine the number of individuals in each group who may develop cancer over a specified period of time. If twice as many individuals develops mesothelioma in the exposed group as the in the non-exposed group, then individuals in the exposed group will be said to have a relative risk of 2.0.
Both absolute and relative risk number can help tell the story about whether an individual faces the chance of contracting mesothelioma and can be useful in diagnosing the disease. The absolue risk of getting mesothelioma is low for all groups. However, repeated studies have shown that people exposed to asbestos fibers have higher relative risk of mesothelioma than those who have not been exposed.

The SV40 Controversy

Over the past several years, some research studies have indicated a possible link between SV40 (the simian virus) and the risk of developing mesothelioma. Based on the assumption that injectable polio vaccines prepared between 1955 and 1963 were contaminated with the virus, it is estimated that 10 to 30 million people could have been exposed.
In early tests with laboratory animals, researchers found that intentional infection with SV40 could cause mesotheliomas to develop, and that asbestos increased the cancer-causing effect of SV40 on these cells. Other researchers studying human biopsy specimens of mesotheliomas had also detected SV40 DNA, however, it was found that the SV40 DNA was also present in non-cancerous tissue, leading them to believe the viruses were contaminants.
Later tissue studies of both mesothelioma patients and healthy people where there did not appear to be contaminants, showed the SV40 virus was not linked to mesothelioma unless the person was also exposed to asbestos. These researchers determined that the SV40 infection was not caused by the polio vaccine, but occurred naturally as do other types of viral infections.
The largest human studies to date have not found any increased risk for mesothelioma among those who received the contaminated vaccines as children, however, some researchers feel the peak age for developing mesothelioma has not yet been reached by many of the subjects involved. Research is ongoing.

About Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma? What is the difference between pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which a cancerous tumor grows on the mesothelium – the sac lining the internal body cavities. The specific type of mesothelioma is named for the tissue where the cancer started. Pleural mesothelioma starts in the chest, in the pleura that surrounds the lungs (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall). It makes up about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the lining of the abdominal cavity.






Although sometimes referred to as “asbestos lung cancer”, mesothelioma is not the same as lung cancer. Lung cancers occur inside the lung itself; mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lung. Mesothelioma is rare, striking fewer than 3000 Americans per year.

What happens inside the body?

The cancerous cells clump together in a malignant tumor. As it grows, the tumor pushes against and into other organs and healthy tissue, causing symptoms. Because the mesothelium is a flat thin lining, the mesothelioma tumor often takes a diffuse shape.
In its advanced stage the cancer metastasizes through the lymph system and spreads to other parts of the body. It is still referred to as mesothelioma because it started in the mesothelium.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Our mesothelioma symptoms page goes into detail about the signs of this cancer. It is important to seek professional medical advice when trying to diagnose for mesothelioma because the symptoms can be confused with symptoms of other diseases.
Major symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• Shortness of breath caused by expanding pleural effusion
• Persistent dry cough
• Chest pain

Major symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

• Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
• Swelling or lumps in the abdomen
• Abdominal pain

Some patients experience few of the visible symptoms. Formal diagnostic procedures are needed to determine if the cancer is present.

How do you get malignant mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos, once regarded as a miracle mineral, was popular due its lightweight but tough characteristics as well as for its heat-resistant properties. This naturally occurring mineral was used in many commercial and consumer products, from construction materials such as cement, roofing shingles and insulation, to consumer and industrial applications such as hair dryers, automobile brake pads and pipe insulation.

Most people with malignant mesothelioma worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others were exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it.

How much exposure does it take to get the disease? What is the latency period?

Very little exposure can result in mesothelioma. Sometimes people who worked with asbestos for as little as one or two months get mesothelioma. The “latency period” refers to the time between asbestos exposure and diagnosis of the disease. For mesothelioma, the latency period can be decades long, and people exposed in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s are now being diagnosed.

How do doctors treat malignant mesothelioma?

Each patient has an individualized treatment plan which takes into account the type and stage of the cancer as well as the patient’s overall health. Traditional mesothelioma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these. Contact us at 1-877-367-6376 if you want to talk about reviewing treatment options.

Is there any promising research or are there promising new drugs for mesothelioma?

Scientists and doctors are conducting research at cancer centers all over the United States. Researchers are continually developing new and more effective drugs as well as new surgical and radiotherapy treatment techniques. In the past few years, there have been several major advances in the management of mesothelioma, including more accurate staging, improvements in surgical techniques and postoperative care, new chemotherapy regimens, and new radiotherapy techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Some of this research is being conducted through clinical trials on mesothelioma patients, for which you may be eligible.  Please call us if you need additional information on current trials.

What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to asbestos but don’t have mesothelioma?

You probably will not get this rare disease, but you should remain vigilant and get regular check-ups. Let your doctor know about your asbestos exposure.

I was exposed to asbestos when I was in the military. Could that be how I got mesothelioma?

The armed forces used asbestos extensively in the 20th Century. Mesothelioma has a long latency period and often does not appear until decades after the patient came into contact with asbestos. Veterans from all branches of the service are now developing malignant mesothelioma. We have worked with veterans from all over the country. We can help you find VA resources and medical assistance. Our veterans section goes into more detail or feel free to call us at 1-877-367-6376.

Where can I find information on living with mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma Aid is a good website for resource for families dealing with mesothelioma. It includes advice and referrals to other resources for coping with cancer, care giving, financial challenges, and support groups.   Alternatively, contact us here at Mesothelioma Web for help finding resources for dealing with this disease and for getting treatment.