Cachexia

Mesothelioma is an aggressive, ravaging form of lung cancer generally associated with asbestos exposure. Many symptoms of early stages are similar to those of other conditions--for example, dry coughing, pain on breathing in or out, and shortness of breath may mimic pleurisy symptoms.  Later stage symptoms will be more serious, including fluid in the lungs (pericardial effusion), swelling in the abdomen (ascites), and cachexia.

According to one medical expert, cachexia refers to an unintentional loss of muscle and body mass.  It can be a sign of advanced mesothelioma (the asbestos-related lung cancer) and is a not nutritionally reversible.  In other words, no amount of eating---and no matter how healthy it is---will replace the lost muscle.  It can be devastating to realize that your body has reached such a state.  Make sure you have the best best medical care throughout the course of this illness. Review our mesothelioma website on "Choosing a doctor."

Many mesothelioma patients have found that with the proper legal assistance, they are able to successfully pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit.  Settlements from irresponsible corporate employers can be significant.  Call us at HendlerLaw today and we will review your case with you at no charge.  We help our clients recover compensation for what they and their families are suffering. 800.443.6353.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of lung cancer, the effects of which can include muscle wasting and fatigue (cachexia) in later stages. And at this point in time, the disease is still incurable. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure at some time during the patient's life---often while working where asbestos fibers were freely present.

A variety of manufacturing, mining and service companies have become involved in mesothelioma lawsuits in the past ten years or so. Some of those companies whose workers have had an increased incidence of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases include:

• manufacturers such as UNARCO, Johns-Manville, and Philip Carey
• service stations where workers installed or repaired brakes or clutches 
• manufacturers that are indirectly involved with asbestos products such as Squibb, P&G, Carborundum, Ford, General Motors, Hercules, Hoffman-LaRoche, Merck
• naval and other shipyards
• oil refineries such as Chevron, Exxon, Mobil
• construction industry jobs

If you've ever worked in one of these or a similar industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, be sure when you are choosing a doctor that you find one who is very familiar with this disease and who keeps up with the latest research developments. The state of knowledge changes daily as more and more resources are dedicated to trying to understand and fight this killer affliction.

And don't hesitate to speak to one of our experienced attorneys about your legal right to potentially receive compensation for your illness. There is no charge for a full case evaluation and recommendation. Please call us at your convenience at 800.443.6353. Or contact us on the web at www.HendlerLaw.com

An accumulation of fluid around your heart may be a sign of serious disease, or it may be a way your body reacts to an injury. Called pericardial effusion, causes can be quite different but usually fall into two main categories: underlying disease (cancer is a common cause) or trauma, as in injury or post-surgery.

Malignant mesothelioma is a fast-moving form of lung cancer that so far has a poor prognosis. The earliest noticeable signs might be confused with pleurisy symptoms---cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing---so it's important to see a doctor when you develop these types of symptoms. Early diagnosis means doctors may be able to use more aggressive treatments to extend survival times. Pericardial effusion is just one of the many signs that may develop in later stages of mesothelioma. Others might include abdominal fluid retention, cachexia (general debility, muscle wasting, losing weight) and more.

Because this disease is so aggressive, it is critical to get the best informed and most understanding doctors you can find. And because asbestos exposure is the foremost cause of mesothelioma of all types, it's important to do a thorough review of your personal history to see whether you may have been exposed and may have a right to recover compensation by filing mesothelioma litigation. We at HendlerLaw can help you explore your history and understand your options. Call us day or night at 800.443.653.

Though some studies have been published stating that the combination of surgery and heated chemotherapy is effective for improving survival times for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, a recent paper questions those conclusions. It states that the studies were flawed and patients cannot in fact expect longer survival times when treated with surgery to reduce tumor size combined with heated chemotherapy applied to the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure, most often occurs in the linings of the lungs (pleura) but can also occur in the linings around the heart (pericardium) or the peritoneum. Symptoms of mesothelioma in the pleura or pericardium can be cough, chest pain (pleural effusion causes fluid in and around the lungs), and shortness of breath. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are likely to be weight loss, cachexia (muscle wasting), abdominal pain and swelling (ascites). Treatment is often not begun early because these symptoms don't usually appear until the disease is at a late stage.

If you believe you may ever have been exposed to asbestos, make sure your doctor understands the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma. The earlier you are diagnosed properly, the more likely treatment can prolong survival. And don't hesitate to contact a qualified mesothelioma cancer attorney for information on your legal rights to potentially receive compensation if you develop mesothelioma. We are here to help. 800.443.6353.

When you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, you begin a long journey. It began, possibly many years ago, when you were exposed to some asbestos risk, either on the job or in your living environment. Early symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing, and can then lead to cachexia (general debilitation, muscle wasting, fatigue, etc.). No matter what symptoms appear first, your main consideration is to find a medical care team that is very familiar with this disease and whose members can give you the information and the treatments that are best suited to where you are in the process.

Your doctor may recommend that you undergo a series of tests to help your care team members understand what stage your disease is in and help them recommend treatments that might to relieve your pain or discomfort.

As you and your family learn to live with these lung cancer effects, you will also want to consider getting mesothelioma legal advice from a highly qualified and experienced professional who has successfully helped other victims file asbestos lawsuits to seek compensation. Don't wait. We can help you determine the deadline by which you must file mesothelioma litigation in order not to lose your opportunity. Our experienced mesothelioma trial attorneys will work with you to discover whether you may have a good chance of recovering compensation. Call us day or night at 800.443.6353.

If you have mesothelioma, hopefully you've received solid advice on choosing your care team. It's critical to have experienced medical professionals who understand the signs, symptoms, and typical progress of this ravaging disease. Mesothelioma has lung cancer effects that can result in a host of symptoms. It can be one of the causes of pericardial effusion (fluid around your heart), abdominal fluid retention (ascites), cachexia (muscle wasting, loss of appetite, etc.), and/or pleurisy symptoms (sharp chest pain, coughing, problems breathing, and so on).

And just as importantly---for your own peace of mind and the well-being of your family---you should consider whether you might discuss your situation with a mesothelioma trial attorney. Only a qualified and experienced trial attorney---someone who understands what you're going through and knows how to navigate the legal process---can give you sound mesothelioma legal advice on whether to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.

HendlerLaw is a mesothelioma/asbestos law firm that specializes in helping patients review their history and research all the possible connections to previous asbestos exposure that might lead to receiving compensation. Any one of our attorneys can answer your questions, refer you to helpful resources, and give you mesothelioma legal advice that will guide you in making your decision. We look forward to serving you and your loved ones through this difficult process. Call us 24/7 at 800.443.6353.

The list of mesothelioma causes is short: asbestos exposure is the only known factor positively associated with developing this unusually aggressive form of lung cancer.

Asbestos has been used for generations because of its heat resistant and fire retardant properties. Evidence of its usefulness was recorded very early in history. A quote from an environmental chemistry website talks about just how early asbestos was used:

"It is possible to trace written documentation of the use of asbestos back to the days of the Roman Empire. However, evidence of the use of asbestos in pottery and chinking of log homes dating back [to] 3000 BC has been found archaeological digs in Scandinavia."

And evidence of the dangers was recorded almost as early. In Roman times Pliny the Elder was only one sage who noticed that those who worked with asbestos had more than usual health problems. He specifically noted that they had lung and other problems (cachexia---wasting away---and abdominal fluid retention) and tended to die at young ages. He even went so far as to design a respirator out of of transparent bladder skin and suggested asbestos workers wear one as protection. 

Knowing that humankind has been well aware of the hazards of asbestos for this long makes it even more incredible that companies as late as the 1970s were failing to share the truth with workers and not providing adequate protections.

If you're suffering the symptoms of mesothelioma, talk to one of our experienced attorneys about the possibility that you may be able to collect compensation for your suffering. We are here to help you, 24/7. Please call us at 800.443.6353.

Recent research in Singapore has revealed a new energy-efficient, cost-effective way to create nanocrystals that may have multiple applications in the bio-medicine and bio-imaging fields as well as other uses.

One of the applications for these nanocrystals is in developing an improved photodynamic therapy for lung cancer. Called upconversion nanocrystals, they have the ability to "convert lower-energy near-infrared light into a visible emission." That will allow doctors to better view the inner workings of the body and thus potentially diagnose and treat lung cancer and other diseases more effectively.

Mesothelioma, associated with previous asbestos exposure, is a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer that has a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The hope is that improving such therapies as photodynamic therapy will help doctors develop better treatments for the multitude of symptoms mesothelioma patients may experience. Symptoms can include everything from thrombophlebitis (serious blood clots) to cachexia (wasting that accompanies many cancers), to pleurisy-like symptoms.

Mesothelioma is a frightening and complex disease. Make sure you have a medical care team that keeps up with all the latest information. And be sure to speak with a qualified mesothelioma trial attorney about your options. We can help you decide if you may be one of the mesothelioma victims who benefit from filing asbestos lawsuits. Call us for mesothelioma advice and information. We're here to help 24/7. 800.443.6353.

Encouraging news was just published about results of a clinical trial for a new treatment protocol for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Researchers were experimenting with creating a vaccination-type of treatment using special types of cells that trigger the immune system. The cells are treated with two additional immune system boosters: KLH and autologous tumor lysate.

Together, this combination is known as "dendritic cell-based immunotherapy." It activates T cells (white blood cells that are key to the immune system) and encourages the growth of B cells, another type of white blood cell that can produce antibodies. Dendritic simply refers to the shape of the cells:tree-like with branches.

The bottom line is that this new trial has established that this type of vaccination has the ability to fight tumor growth, which can help reduce the lung cancer effects that mesothelioma patients must endure. Such effects can include cachexia (muscle wasting, fatigue), pleurisy symptoms, and abdominal fluid retention (ascites). Treatments can help some, but researchers are constantly looking for better ways to fight. We try to bring you news of every promising development in mesothelioma treatment.

Call us if you have questions about your legal right to pursue compensation by filing mesothelioma litigation. 800.443.6353.

When excess fluid collects around your heart, you are said to have a pericardial effusion. Causes for this dangerous condition can vary, but it usually starts due to inflammation in the lining that surrounds the heart (called the pericardium).

The pericardium has two layers between which there is typically a small amount of fluid. When the tissue becomes inflamed--which may happen from an injury or from a disease such as mesothelioma lung cancer--the fluid starts to build up. You can also experience a pericardial effusion when blood accumulates between those layers after surgery or an injury. And you may also find other causes for pericardial effusion that don't involve inflammation.

The danger that pericardial effusion causes is pressure on your heart, which increases as the amount of fluid stretches the lining. Your heart may not be able to function correctly and the condition may, if you don't get proper treatment, result in heart failure or death.

Pericardial effusion is one of the causes of suffering among those with mesothelioma. Symptoms may include difficult or painful breathing, chest pain, coughing, fever, heart rate increase, and fainting. It may also be one of the causes if you are experiencing cachexia--the clinical name for muscle wasting, loss of appetite, and weakness.

If you are undergoing lung cancer treatment, make sure your physician knows about the connection between asbestos expsoure and mesothelioma. It's critical to get a correct diagnosis so that your treatment regimen will be right for you. Read more about mesothelioma treatment by browsing our website www.mesothelioma-advice.org.

Profit trumps ethics when thousands of people must die as a result of going to work and having to endure asbestos exposure every day. The desire for profit kept some companies from disclosing the truth when they found out that working with asbestos can be deadly--not only for workers and their families, but also even for local residents.

Thousands of people are sick today who worked trustingly in asbestos mines, who lived with asbestos workers, or who simply lived in areas where asbestos was mined or used in manufacturing. No one told them about mesothelioma, the asbestos-induced lung cancer that eventually claims the life of anyone who gets it.

What does asbestos look like? That's the hard part, because what you see is usually so small as to seem like ordinary dust. The dangerous fibers are so tiny that people may be unaware that they are breathing or ingesting them. Because of their needle like structure, the lungs are not able to eliminate them as they do with most dust.

Those who get sick from the dust may suffer what's known as cachexia--the term used to describe the weight loss, muscle wasting, loss of appetite, and general debility that often occur with a chronic disease. They may develop pleurisy-like symptoms or experience pleural effusion or pericardial effusion--the causes of which may be many. But an expert can tell the difference between mesothelioma--the asbestos disease--and other types of illnesses.

Don't wait. If you are sick and feel you may ever have been exposed to asbestos, go now and see a doctor who knows. Early diagnosis improves survival times. And if you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, consider speaking with a mesothelioma trial attorney to find out whether you might be one of those who file asbestos lawsuits and receive compensation for their suffering. Call us for a no-fee consultation at 800.443.6353.

Many public entities in Canada have come out against the country's continued exporting of asbestos to third-world countries. It's surprising to see, then, a carefully written current story in the Toronto Star news outlet about a guy--CEO of Canada's largest still-working asbestos mine--openly beating the bushes for money to keep mining and exporting the deadly mineral.

According to the Star, Bernard Coloumbe claims that chrysotile asbestos, the type found in this mine, is less dangerous than other types such as crocidolite. He also claims he won't sell to companies with "unsafe" manufacturing practices. But he admits there's no protection whatever for the people in the field who buy the manufactured asbestos products and cut and saw them to fit their projects.

Asbestos exposure is proven to lead to fatal lung diseases. Victims who've contracted mesothelioma--the asbestos-exposure-related lung cancer--often begin to suffer pleurisy-like symptoms, which include pain on breathing, dry cough, and shortness of breath. They may experience weight loss, muscle wasting, loss of appetite, and general debility (a constellation known as cachexia). They may develop abdominal fluid retention (known as abdominal ascites). Standard lung cancer treatment is seldom effective.

Coloumbe is quoted in the story: "If everything goes well...we will be working in the underground mine and starting to produce in 2010. I can tell you, not just the Indian customers, but the big users of the world – Mexico, Venezuela, Pakistan, Vietnam. They're waiting for us."

At this time there is no cure for mesothelioma. Most major countries have banned the use of asbestos. And the fact that Canadian asbestos manufacturers are looking the other way as they send out their products to cause certain disease and death around the world is truly frightening.