First Official Mesothelioma Treatment Guidelines Issued

Sunday, March 14, 2010 by Scott Hendler
It's a small gain for mesothelioma patients, but it's significant. That's the way doctors view the 3-months' additional survival time that can come with combining specific surgeries with pemetrexed and cisplatin chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma. Given that up until now no guidelines existed, this is good news for doctors struggling to help their patients.

The report comes out of the 15th Annual National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Conference on Clinical Practice Guidelines and Quality Cancer Care. In the past doctors had thought that treating this asbestos related disease by removing part or all of a lung (pneumonectomy) was the best way to treat mesothelioma. But the new guidelines suggest that other types of surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation may extend survival more effectively.

Guidelines suggest that surgeons choose from two surgical options. They may choose to perform a less intensive surgery in which they remove some portion of the lining of the lungs (pleurectomy). Or they may decide to perform a more complex procedure known as extrapleural pneumonectomy. In this operation they remove a diseased lung, part of the pericardium (membrane covering the heart), part of the diaphragm (muscle between the lungs and the abdomen), and part of the parietal pleura (membrane lining the chest).

The new guidelines also encourage doctors not to attempt surgery if the cancer is too far along, thus hopefully saving some patients from unnecessary trauma.

Many other treatments are being researched to deal with lung cancer effects including photodynamic therapy for lung cancer and pleurodesis surgery. As doctors continue to search for better treatments, more victims are filing asbestos lawsuits. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, don't hesitate to call us with questions. We are a leading mesothelioma asbestos law firm, and our attorneys know how to help you find out if you might recover compensation by filling a mesothelioma lawsuit. Call with questions at 800.443.6353.


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Nanocrystals Could Help With Photodynamic Therapy for Lung Cancer

Saturday, March 13, 2010 by Scott Hendler
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.

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International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma

Thursday, March 11, 2010 by Scott Hendler
There is a symposium coming up this summer that will provide the latest information on everything to do with malignant mesothelioma.  The International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma will be held June 10-12, 2010 in Washington D.C.

This from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation:

The International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma is a three-day conference for the entire meso community, including patients, their families, caregivers and advocates.
Learn about mesothelioma treatment options from meso experts from across the world; have your voice heard on Capitol Hill; meet, connect and share experiences and support with other mesothelioma patients and their family members; or connect with others who have lost a loved one to meso.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is an excellent source of information for anyone suffering from mesothelioma.

Some of the presentations planned for the symposium include:

  • Present and Future Trends in Malignant Mesothelioma: Surgical and Researcher Perspective
  • Photodynamic Therapy
  • Update on Clinical Trials
  • Peritoneal Mesothelioma.
     
For the most up to date information on asbestos risk, the main cause of mesothelioma, visit www.mesothelioma-advice.org.  You'll also find resources for mesothelioma legal advice or contact HendlerLaw at 1-800-443-6353.
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New Way to Judge Prognosis for Mesothelioma Patients

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Because mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to give an accurate estimate of how the disease has progressed, researchers are constantly looking for new ways to do both. A recent study shows promise of helping doctors choose which mesothelioma patients can most benefit from receiving multimodal therapies.

Tests have shown that certain special cells found in all human cells (called microRNAs) can be used to predict which cases of mesothelioma have the greatest chance of responding to aggressive approaches that use several types of treatments. These might include first doing pleurodesis surgery to prevent fluid buildup in the pleura (lung linings) or abdominal fluid retention, then surgery to remove malignant cells (cytoreduction), and then chemotherapy with drugs such as pemetrexed and carboplatin. Side effects can be difficult with these therapies, but results can improve myriad symptoms.

Early mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to pleurisy symptoms. Then later they might include typical symptoms of advanced lung cancer. Any help doctors can find for diagnosing it or predicting its course can mean better symptom relief and longer survival times.

If you are receiving mesothelioma treatment, consider speaking with a mesothelioma cancer attorney. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your suffering. We can answer all your questions at 800.443.6353. Call any time.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms Unpredictable -Choose Your Doctor Carefully

Friday, March 5, 2010 by Scott Hendler

Malignant peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma is a very difficult disease that can involve  many different sites in the body. Its main known cause is asbestos exposure, and sources may include unsafe work environments, living near a source or mining or manufacturing, or living with someone who is exposed to asbestos elsewhere.

A recent study was designed to assess the various ways in which symptoms of mesothelioma unpredictably appear in various patients. Patients almost always had ascites (fluid buildup), abdominal pain, breathlessness and fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal mass, fever, diarrhea and vomiting in some combination and in different intensities.

Tumors were found  in a surprisingly wide range of locations. Some patients were found to have colorectal cancer. Others had developed cancer of the cheek, the testes, the tongue, bladder or thyroid.

Even some of the standard tests, such as fluid diagnosis,  did not uniformly reveal that the person had mesothelioma, though they did indicate malignancy.

In short, this dread disease can come disguised as dozens of other conditions. That’s why it’s so important to exercise extreme caution when choosing your doctor and choosing your medical care team.  They must be knowledgeable about this condition and willing to work with you as long as necessary to determine the correct diagnosis…because early detection is critical for you to receive the best possible treatments. Don’t be satisfied with less than total dedication to your case.

And if you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis,  consider calling a mesothelioma cancer attorney knowledgeable about this deadly disease, to find out what your rights may be to hold the manufacturers and users of asbestos responsible for damages.

And just as with your care team, don’t be satisfied with less than
total dedication to your case. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to call us. 800.443.6353. or go to www.Hendlerlaw.com for more information.

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What Causes Pericardial Effusion?

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Pericardial effusion is the term used to describe when there is an abnormal buildup of fluid around your heart--literally between the space that encloses your heart (pericardium), the lining of your heart, and your heart itself.

There are many potential pericardial effusion causes. Some are manageable and others are much more serious, so it's critical to have an expert medical  opinion. Some causes include infections, heart surgery, kidney failure, and some types of cancer, including mesothelioma, a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer. Mesothelioma causes are generally limited to previous exposure to asbestos fibers.

You may have no symptoms at all, but if you have one of the conditions that may cause a pericardial effusion--such as mesothelioma--you will want to keep a close watch on your health and keep in touch with your physician. This condition can progress rapidly and potentially cause problems with your heart, so make sure your doctor is familiar with the disease.

If you have mesothelioma and would like to find out about the possibility of recovering compensation, please call one of our mesothelioma cancer attorneys. We are happy to answer any of your questions about what's involved in conducting mesothelioma litigation. You can reach us any time at 800.443.6353.



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Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Monday, March 1, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that usually kills within about two years of being diagnosed. Mesothelioma causes are almost always related to asbestos exposure.

Research indicates that photodynamic therapy may be a useful treatment for lung cancer, including for early stage mesothelioma. It can help alleviate some of the most uncomfortable lung cancer effects such as difficulty breathing.

Doctors inject a special dye that's used with a specialized light source to find and target cancer cells. The sensitizing agent remains in cancer cells longer than in other cells so that the light that's directed at them can trigger the release of a type of oxygen that destroys the abnormal cells.

Besides directly killing cancer cells, photodynamic therapy for lung cancer is believed to help in two other ways: by damaging blood vessels in the tumor which slows its growth, and by activating the immune system which then attacks the tumor cells.

Because the light cannot penetrate very deeply into tissue, this lung cancer treatment is useful only when tumors are still small and are located near the surface of the body. That is why it may be a useful treatment for early stage mesothelioma since it can reach tumors that lie on the linings of the organs where mesothelioma often begins.

Consult a qualified doctor for mesothelioma medical advice. Meanwhile, our website, Mesothelioma Advice, can answer many of your questions. And consult one of our qualified attorneys for mesothelioma legal advice. We are here 24/7 to help. 800.443.6353.

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Thrombophlebitis risk factors

Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Scott Hendler
When you have mesothelioma, it's possible to develop an unusual array of symptoms, both from the disease itself and from the various methods of mesothelioma treatment. Similar to many of the effects of lung cancer, they can include pleurisy symptoms (cough, pain on breathing--but not between breaths--and shortness of breath), pleural (lung lining) or pericardial effusion, or others. Another might be thrombophlebitis.

The term phlebitis refers to a simple inflamed vein, usually in the legs. But when a blood clot is involved--often in the deep veins of the legs--doctors refer to it as thrombophlebitis. And thrombophlebitis is a condition associated with some kinds of cancer as well as being a potential side effect when pain or other symptoms force a patient to remain inactive for long periods of time.

If you have a tender, red or swollen vein at any time, call your doctor and get a professional opinion. If you develop swelling and tenderness or pain in your leg, especially on standing or walking, go to an emergency room immediately. If you have mesothelioma, be sure to alert your doctor if you have any risk factors such as a family history of clotting problems. Review additional thrombophlebitis risk factors.

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Clinical Trial Results Promising for Mesothelioma Treatment

Monday, February 22, 2010 by Scott Hendler
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.
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Ascites treatment depends on cause

Monday, February 15, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Ascites is the medical term for when abnormal amounts of fluid accumulate in the abdomen. It often occurs with liver disease such as cirrhosis and other chronic conditions. The main cause is inflammation brought on by some substance irritating or inflaming the smooth lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).

Ascites treatment must take into account underlying factors. It's a condition that can come on quite quickly with traumatic injury, perforated ulcer, appendicitis, or when other nearby organs become inflamed. The fluid itself may be from intestinal fluid, bile, or pancreatic juices. But long-lasting, chronic diseases are the most frequent causes.

Removing fluid from the abdomen (paracentesis) and/or an abdominal ultrasound may be needed to accurately diagnose ascites. Treatment then depends on the source of the abdominal fluid retention. Cancers that spread to (or begin in) the abdomen are frequent causes of ascites.

Ascites may also be one of the symptoms of mesothelioma, the lung cancer known to be associated with asbestos exposure. If you are receiving ascites treatment, be sure to mention any possibility of previous exposure, either through working or living around asbestos. And question your doctor closely to make certain s/he understands the connection. It's critical to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible so that you can receive the most appropriate help for relieving symptoms and extending your survival time.

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Corporate Deception Leads to Asbestos Lawsuits

Friday, February 12, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Corporations sometimes put profits before people. In the case of asbestos mining and manufacturing in the last century, deception was common where workers' health was concerned. Today many former workers in those industries are being diagnosed with the deadly mesothelioma lung cancer.

Mesothelioma causes pain, suffering, and mental anguish to victims and families alike. It causes patients to lose physical ability, requires sometimes painful lung cancer treatments and--until research yields better options--leads to early death.

Asbestos lawsuits are one way of redressing the injuries suffered by those who develop mesothelioma as a result of not having been given the truth about the dangers of asbestos exposure. While nothing can restore good health or replace lost loved ones among family and friends, successful asbestos lawsuits can go a long way to helping with medical bills and providing for the loved ones of a mesothelioma patient.

If you have mesothelioma, or you are a family member of someone who does (or has died from the disease), call us today to find out about the filing deadlines and legal requirements in your area. We can answer all your questions and assist you in discovering whether you might be able to recover compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit. Call us at 800.443.6353--we're here to help.
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What Causes Pericardial Effusion?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Scott Hendler

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.
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Increased Focus on the Search for Better Mesothelioma Treatment

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Scott Hendler

Doctors around the world are increasing the energy and research dollars in the search for better treatment of mesothelioma. A recent study focused on a series of new bio markers (substances naturally in the body) which will prove useful to facilitate early diagnosis of  mesothelioma. Officials of the 'European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer' (EORTC) suggest focusing research efforts on finding bio markers to predict how well Chemotherapy works with mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive pulmonary disease, which is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is difficult to diagnose and has resisted traditional treatment options, since it identifies for the first time as a particular type of lung cancer. Asbestos was widely used in industry for decades, and mesothelioma has a very long period of latency — can appear up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.  Because of that, the number of cases of MPM should continue to increase throughout the world for the next 30-40 years.. 

 It may be useful to find out if you are a victim of this disease because many employers intentionally concealed their knowledge of the dangers of exposure to asbestos fibers from their workers who breathed them every day of their working life. And since even a small dose of asbestos can cause asbestosis or mesothelioma, even the families of workers exposed to asbestos may be in danger. Mesothelioma litigation has picked up significantly as more evidence has come to light about what employers and manufacturers knew about the dangers of asbestos.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or feel you’ve been exposed to asbestos or other toxic substances on the job, first find the right medical help. Then, understand your legal rights. If you have questions or need help regarding a potential mesothelioma or asbestos-exposure lawsuit, you can visit our site, www.mesotheliomaadvice.org, www.hendlerlaw.com or  call us 800.443.6353. We have years of experience helping people just like you  and your family face this difficult time in your life.

 


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New Protocol for Treating Pleural Mesothelioma

Sunday, January 31, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a deadly, fast-moving type of lung cancer. As more and more cases of this pleural mesothelioma are occurring, doctors are constantly searching for more effective ways of dealing with it. A new protocol called cold plasma coagulation (CPC) was recently pilot tested with a small sample of patients. The technique consists of removing a part of the pleura (pleurectomy/decoritcation) and then flooding the pleura (lining of the lung), the diaphragm, and the pericardium with heated chemotherapy agents.

The hope in treating these three areas is to minimize unwanted side effects on the heart and prevent malignant cancer cells from spreading into the abdomen (pericardium) or other areas of the body. After one year of followup, results were encouraging enough so that researchers recommend additional larger studies.

Chemotherapy (often carboplatin) side effects and the risks of procedures such as pleurodesis surgery (to prevent fluid buildup in the pleural space) and ascites treatment (for fluid in the abdomen)are real. Yet many patients are willing to undergo testing that offers hope of improving treatment options. Too many cases are not diagnosed until later stages of the disease when treatment tends to be less successful. Patients can be encouraged to know that doctors are dedicating so much energy to finding ways to diagnose the disease earlier and extend patients' lives.
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Thrombophlebitis--Blood Clots--A Risk in Mesothelioma

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of lung cancer that develops in people who've been exposed to asbestos at some time in their lives. The symptoms are not always the same and may be very much like symptoms of other conditions. Thrombophlebitis, which refers to a blod clot forming somewhere in your blood vessels, is one example.

When you have thrombophlebitis in a vein close to your skin, you may notice your skin becomes hardened and/or turns red and gets warm. If the clot is deeper in your body, you may experience swelling, tenderness and pain on standing or walking.

Thrombophlebitis can be due to a number of conditions including injury or inherited blood clotting disorder and, sometimes, prolonged sitting, inactivity, or bed rest may increase your risk. Because many mesothelioma cancer patients have trouble breathing they tend to be less active. Also many patients must undergo various types of procedures such as pleurodesis surgery (to prevent fluid buildup) or ascites treatment (to prevent fluid accumulation in the abdomen). Many types of surgeries require long periods of forced bed rest that can contribute to the risk of thrombophlebitis, especially if the patient has other risk factors such as inherited disease, a history of smoking, or a pacemaker.

If you have a red, swollen or tender vein, see a doctor. If this is severe or happens along with a high fever or shortness of breath, get to an emergency room. These symptoms could be signs of deep vein thrombosis--a condition that can lead to a clot coming loose and traveling to your lungs.

 And if you have mesothelioma, consider contacting a mesothelioma asbestos law firm for help deciding if you may be able to recover compensation for your suffering. Call us--at no charge--for information and advice. 800.443.6353. We are here to help.
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Pleurodesis Surgery Helps Tell the Stage of Mesothelioma

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Getting surgery is never easy. For some patients, any surgery is worth the trauma if there's a chance it will improve their condition. But surgery isn't always a good option. Patients with pleural malignant mesothelioma need to consult closely with an expert in this disease so that they are not subjected to surgery that won't significantly affect the lung cancer effects they're suffering from.

In a recent small study researchers compared different ways to stage mesothelioma--that is, tell how far the disease has progressed. One method was to give patients pleurodesis surgery as part of the testing. Sometimes called talc pleurodesis, this is a procedure for treating pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs) in which a powder is introduced into the lining of the lungs. The powder causes irritation on the lining surfaces, and this results in the lining closing the spaces around the lungs--and this then prevents the lungs from accumulating further fluids.

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Because doctors have not been very successful in treating it in its later stages, it's important to work with a medical care team that knows when pleurodesis and other types of surgery yield the most promise for lengthening survival or relieving someof the most difficult symptoms. Visit our mesothelioma advice website for more information on Choosing a Care Team.
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Asbestos Exposure Can Be Deadly--Be Smart Now

Friday, January 15, 2010 by Scott Hendler
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.
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Shape of Asbestos Fibers is the Real Danger

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by Scott Hendler

NEW YORK - JULY 19: A police officer wearing a...

Asbestos exposure can be deadly–especially from the types of asbestos that are made up of long, thin, needle-like fibers. In decades past, before regulations were put into place, anyone working in the manufacturing industries, for example with textiles or cement pipe, was likely to be heavily exposed to asbestos. Today workers are most likely to be exposed while performing maintenance activities, dealing with accidents such as pipe explosions, or de-contaminating structures built with asbestos-containing products.

A report from the NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) suggests that scientists and regulators need much better information about how many workers are exposed to asbestos fibers now and in the future. Read more about the asbestos risk assessment.

Until now, safety standards have revolved around the main forms of asbestos used in commercial applications. They include chrysotile asbestos, the most common type, and five amphibole varieties: amosite, crocidolite, actinolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos and tremolite asbestos.

Seeing that some types of asbestos fibers were particularly long and thin, and noticing that these were most often implicated in causing respiratory disease and cancer in humans, researchers started paying more attention to other long, thin mineral fibers that could enter the lungs and remain inside.

More than 15 years ago, scientists realized they couldn’t tell the difference between the effects of long, thin asbestos fibers and those of any other mineral with a similar shape. So they expanded the definition of asbestos to include other elongated mineral fibers.

Now that they are including other mineral fibers, researchers will have to invest more time and effort into finding out the specific toxic risks of other materials. There are currently workers being exposed to the long, thin fibers of taconite during their work in those mines in Minnesota, and workers exposed to talc fibers in those mines in upstate New York.

It is important for anyone who’s been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma to investigate their legal rights as soon as possible. Exposure in the workplace that took place decades ago was due to corporate misconduct and may be cause for receiving compensation. Call us at 800.443.6353 with any questions about your legal rights.

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Chemo Drug Pemetrexed Slows Down Mesothelioma

Monday, January 11, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Pemetrexed, a drug that's become common as part of chemotherapy treatments for mesothelioma and other forms of lung cancer, has been shown to help slow the progress of the disease. Mesothelioma is a ravaging form of lung cancer that's connected with asbestos exposure, may take decades to develop, and is often not diagnosed until late stages.

The drug--trade name Alimta(R)--is occasionally spelled as "pemextred." Either way, even though it's hard to spell and pronounce, it is one useful weapon--usually in combination with another drug such as cisplatin--against the relentless pace of mesothelioma. It is sometimes used also with carboplatin. Side effects are not uncommon with chemotherapy of all types, so get some reassurance from your doctor if you experience anything unusual while taking these drugs.

If you or someone you know think you may have been exposed to asbestos--on the job, living with someone who worked with the material, or living in a region where it has been mined--watch your health carefully. If you begin suffering from pleurisy-like symptoms such as sharp chest pain on breathing or persistent coughing, or you've been referred for pleurodesis surgery or ascites treatment or other lung or abdominal fluid retention, make absolutely certain that your doctor is familiar with the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma. It's not easy to tell the difference between many different diseases--it takes an expert to diagnose mesothelioma. And time is of the essence. Survival times can be extended with proper treatment, which may include pemetrexed.
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Asbestos Still Around--Don't Remodel Without Asbestos Risk Assessment

Friday, January 8, 2010 by Scott Hendler
Even though asbestos use has been tightly regulated for more than twenty years, it's a mistaken notion that citizens of the United States are never in danger from asbestos exposure. As recently as last month a public building in West Virginia had to be closed in order to safely remove a section of the roof that contained asbestos. The most serious risk is eventually developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer.

The fact is, if you are tearing down or remodeling or rehabbing any structure, there can be danger from disturbing old materials that may contain asbestos. Its thin fibers are released into the air when any asbestos-laden material crumbles or is cut, sawed, or knocked down. Those fibers, when breathed or ingested, can penetrate deep into the linings of human organs and usually cannot be adequately cleared out via the body's normal self-cleansing actions.

What does asbestos look like? How about that crumbling old insulation in your basement? Can you make a sure identification yourself? Don't count on it. The only way to protect yourself is hire a qualified expert to perform an asbestos risk assessment. If a company says it will quietly remove asbestos from your home or garage for a cheap price, don't put the health of you and your family at stake.


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