Mesothelioma Info

A life without Debt!

2008-10-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Do you know that here in the United States the average family is in debt to over $9,000 - that is with unsecured debt (i.e. credit cards). Many of them don’t know how to get out from these debt conditions.

Good news is there is debt consolidation offered by debt companies and be debt free in no time only at mydebtconsolidationadvice.com

Almost everywhere in the world, particularly here in the United States, the number of people reeling under a heavy burden of debt is on the rise - most specially as in right now, that market is down - plethora of people losing their jobs, home etc...

There are several number of ways on how you can consolidate your debts. There is the
credit card transfers, home equity loans, retirement funds, life insurance, credit unions and - - - etc...

The most common among them is the home equity loan in which you can use your home as collateral to get a loan. As this is a secured loan, its interest rates are low. If you want a loan without security or collateral, i.e., an unsecured loan, the job gets tougher and the interest rates become higher. You can use credit card transfers as well but you must repay your outstanding debt within the time frame of the low introductory rate. Retirement funds and life insurance are also worth a try. You can also approach credit unions that offer loans usually at lower interest rates and fees. If you are not yet a member, find out if you are eligible to join one.

There are several reasons why you should consider mydebtconsolidationadvice.com
rather than other debt consolidation services. They are non profit organization, that’s mean you won’t be charged by any hidden or tricky cost. And they are certified credit counselors which has been licensed and bonded, that’s mean they are legal and can be trusted. Also, they provide 24 hours / 7 days a week service, so you can contact them easily anytime you need their advice.

Their debt consolidation plans have some benefits such as reduced interest rates, lowering one’s overall monthly payment and removing fees. Once your debt consolidation plans is active, no more collection calls will reach you again. Most of their customers are able to becoming debt free in 3-5 years. Now can you imagine your life being out of Debt? Call them now!

Easy Money!

2008-09-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Are you short in cash and in need of that quick money? Than you don't have to worry a thing! Cause there is a payday loans that you can always rely on!

A Payday loan is the fastest way to obtain secure, online cash advance. Signing up and qualifying for a payday loan is quick and easy, and in many cases there are no documents to fax depending on the lender that accepts your loan data. Once a lender approves you for a cash advance, they'll electronically deposit the payday loan amount directly into your checking or savings account. Many service providers offer flexible payment options and a discreet service that gets you the cash you need right now. It's that easy, so why wait to get that cash advance? Get it today only at Easy Online Payday Loan.

With Easy Online Payday Loan you can get a faxless payday loan even today! It is the number 1 site you can count on, for all your faxless or paperless payday loan needs. When you need a payday loan, think of Easy Online Payday Loan!

By the way Easy Online Payday Loan has a remarkably fast and simple form is what sets them apart from the rest. Their lending partners require that you are at least 18 years of age, maintain a regular source of income, and have a direct deposit system set up with your local bank. If you meet the qualifications listed above then you may be on your way to getting the cash you need - get started with us them TODAY!

In need of a Mesothelioma Lawyers?

2008-09-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, are you a person whose love ones been diagnosed with that rare and deadly cancer disease called mesothelioma?, and is in need of help of a professional help like a Mesothelioma Attorney or what others refer to as Mesothelioma Lawyer then a Mesothelioma Law Firm can all be the answer to your problem.

The mesothelioma lawyers at SimmonsCooper have been working with clients (families and patients) diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases for nearly a decade. SimmonsCooper is a law firm that represents individuals that have mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. They file lawsuits against the companies responsible for the exposure. The goal and purpose is to help these patients and families cope with this devastating disease so that they can afford the necessary medical care required and are fairly compensated for their injuries and losses.

With years of experience representing victims of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure, SimmonsCooper is one of the leading law firms in the country in representing victims of asbestos injuries. SimmonsCooper has represented clients across the country in mesothelioma cases. They just understand the seriousness of each individual case, and every single mesothelioma patient is treated with the utmost personal attention and respect. Each case is handled individually, with a team of lawyers and paralegals working to ensure that clients receive high quality legal representation.

Diseases of the Lungs and Mesothelium

2008-09-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

» Benign Tumors
» Malignant Tumors

Mesothelioma is a rare disorder and is often misdiagnosed. It is a disease that derives directly from the mesothelial cells in the serous membranes. But it is not uncommon for other growths to appear in the mesothelium, both cancerous and non cancerous.

Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous. A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called malignant mesothelioma, but because most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, the disease is often simply called mesothelioma.
Benign Tumors

Although uncommon, the mesothelium of certain female and male reproductive organs may develop a benign tumor called an adenomatoid tumor. In men, the tumor starts in the area where the sperm is carried from the testicles and in women it starts in the fallopian tubes. Another type of benign tumor that starts in the female reproductive organs is called a benign cystic mesothelioma.

A type of benign tumor that used to be called benign fibrous mesothelioma can form in the pleura around the lungs. It is now known that this type of tumor starts in the tissues under the mesothelium and therefore is not a type of mesothelioma. It is typically not cancerous, but can progress to cancer in some cases. A similar disease that forms in the peritoneum is called a fibrous tumor of the peritoneum. These types of tumors are often removed surgically, and no other treatment is needed.
Malignant Tumors

The most common form of malignant tumors in the mesothelium are metastatic tumors. That is, the tumors start in another part of the body and then the cancer metastasizes and spreads to the mesothelium. The ratio is between 7: 1 to 20: 1 for the occurrence of these types of tumors versus a mesothelioma. Mesothelioma derives directly from the mesothelial cells and does not migrate into the mesothelium from other organs.

The most common metastatic tumors that grow in the pleura derive from, in descending order:

* breast
* lung
* ovary
* stomach
* large intestine
* pancreas
* thyroid
* kidney

For the pericardial tumors from metastases, the most common originating organs are lung, breast and thyroid. In the peritoneum, the ovary, stomach, large intestine, pancreas and breast are the most common sources of metastatic tumors.

Source

Get Funded!

2008-08-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

Need a loan for your business? Small or Medium size business that is, get fast Business Loans only at Ezunsecured.com! I am sure that Business Loans that you badly needed to expand your business will get approved instantly for they give fast approvals in no time.

Before I forgot, they don't even ask for a collateral!

Great Discovery: Zenni Optical $8 Glasses

2008-08-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

If I said, you can get prescription glasses for $8.00 USD a pair, you will probably tell me, I’m out of my mind. Believe it or not it's true! Why are they selling it at a low cost? These prescription glasses are high-quality, top design prescription glasses. There must be a catch? But no, It's just ZenniOptical... They simply stylish and cheap for they don't use any middleman or ads.

Did you see Zenni Optical was on FOX news!!!! Because only Zenni Optical $ 8 Rx Eyeglasses are are simply fabulous. Want Incredible Stylish New Frames From Zenni? Visit them today!

Mesothelioma Attorney

2008-08-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Problems to Watch For – Asbestos in Plumbing Parts

Asbestos is an issue that's become so prevalent, almost everyone has seen or heard some sort of advertisement or even knows someone who has been stricken with an asbestos-related disease that was the result of exposure at some time in their lives. While all of the asbestos-related diseases – mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer – have been publicized in a big way, one of the most overlooked aspects of this extremely prevalent issue is how a person could come to be exposed to asbestos in the first place.

One of the reasons for the lack of attention paid to exposure sources is that asbestos is thought to no longer be used as commonly as it once was, and for the most part, that's true. Another reason is that most of the cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer that are being diagnosed today are the result of exposure to asbestos years, or even decades in the past, which was a time when no one seemed to understand the dangers associated with this substance.

However, there are still certain situations in which exposure to asbestos could become an issue, and the mesothelioma lawyers at Williams Kherkher would like to continue to provide you with information that could help you avoid exposure, and your avoidance of asbestos could very well save or extend your life. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact an asbestos lawyer at Williams Kherkher today to schedule a free initial consultation. In the meantime, below is one set of products that you should avoid at all costs.

Plumbing Parts – Beware
Plumbing parts and equipment must not only serve to provide a continuous and smooth flow of hot and cold water to several outlets within a structure, but these parts must also be extremely resistant to corrosion and extreme temperature changes. These are two qualities that are inherent in asbestos, which is why they were at one time, and still to some extent today, used in such plumbing products as pipe fittings and water heater filaments.

When anyone cuts through these products to make them fit within an existing setup, this greatly increases the possibility that the person performing this act will be exposed to asbestos. The most daunting aspect of this is that asbestos is colorless, odorless and not able to be seen generally by the naked eye.

If you are thinking of performing your own plumbing work, use extreme caution. Better yet, contact a professional to do the work, as he or she will most likely be more aware of how to avoid asbestos exposure than you would be. If you have been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with a disease as a result, contact an asbestos lawyer at Williams Kherkher today to schedule a free initial consultation

Source: http://www.mesolawsuit.com/Default.aspx

How to Determine If You Have Mesothelioma

2007-11-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma diagnosis is very important as far as an early treatment is considered. It helps with better pain management. Mesothelioma diagnosis is confusing as the symptoms mimic many lung infections.

Steps

1. Don't sit there and keep guessing. Consult your physician.
2. Get Mesothelioma tests done. An early initiation of treatment will help reduce the cancer pain considerably.

* Valuable Imaging techniques used in Mesothelioma tests are X Ray, CT (Computerized tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positive Electron Tomography)
* Invasive procedures for Tissue and fluid samples are also done. Usually invasive procedures {which invade the body} are required to make a final confirmed Mesothelioma Diagnosis (Thoracoscopy, Peritoneoscopy and Biopsy)
* Recently the first ever Blood test for Mesothelioma have been devised as reported by Pacific North-West Research Institute. This is basedon the fact that [ cells release tumor markers called SMR (Soluble mesothelin-related) proteins
3. Two important questions you should answer before you go ahead with the Mesothelioma diagnosis are: Have you been exposed to asbestos? (Although not all the Mesothelioma cases are direct results of asbestos exposure there is a strong association between the two.) Do you experience Mesothelioma symptoms?

1. Don't sit there and keep guessing. Consult your physician.
2. Get Mesothelioma tests done. An early initiation of treatment will help reduce the cancer pain considerably.

* Valuable Imaging techniques used in Mesothelioma tests are X Ray, CT (Computerized tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positive Electron Tomography)
* Invasive procedures for Tissue and fluid samples are also done. Usually invasive procedures {which invade the body} are required to make a final confirmed Mesothelioma Diagnosis (Thoracoscopy, Peritoneoscopy and Biopsy)
* Recently the first ever Blood test for Mesothelioma have been devised as reported by Pacific North-West Research Institute. This is basedon the fact that [ cells release tumor markers called SMR (Soluble mesothelin-related) proteins
3. Two important questions you should answer before you go ahead with the Mesothelioma diagnosis are: Have you been exposed to asbestos? (Although not all the Mesothelioma cases are direct results of asbestos exposure there is a strong association between the two.) Do you experience Mesothelioma symptoms?

Tips

* If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos then get mesothelioma tests done at the earliest.

Warnings

* Mis-Diagnosis and late diagnosis is a grave error in mesothelioma as the treatment becomes difficult with late diagnosis.

Source

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

2007-11-20T20:48:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma diagnosis typically begins with a sufferer's visit to the doctor complaining of chronic chest pain. This pain is caused as a result of a buildup of fluid inside the pleural space; this is called pleural effusion and is the most common presenting symptom of malignant mesothelioma.

Preliminary mesothelioma detection can be achieved through a chest imagery scan (CT scan, x-ray); however, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as viral pneumonia at this stage because of certain symptomatic similarities between the two. The only way to definitively verify a suspected case of malignant mesothelioma is through a biopsy.

A biopsy is a relatively minor procedure (dependent on the location of the tumor) during which a small section of suspect tissue is removed. The removed section is examined by a histopathologist, an expert in the study of diseased tissue. Histopathological examination can confirm a case of malignant mesothelioma while also typing and staging it. Understanding the type and stage can help doctors suggest the best of treatment.

Histopathological Examination

Histopathologists are focused on the microscopic study of diseased tissue. A field of pathology, histopathology is a particularly useful tool in forming an accurate diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. The first step in performing a histopathological examination is excising a section of suspect tissue from the patient in question (biopsy). In order to prevent the excised tissue from decaying, it is placed in a fixative (something that increases tissue durability), the most common of which is called formalin (formaldehyde mixed with water).

In order to be prepped for viewing under a high-powered microscope, tissue samples are bathed in a number of increasingly concentrated solutions of ethanol so as to dehydrate the tissue prior to it being dipped in a type of wax called paraffin. By undergoing this procedure, the tissue sample is transformed from a soft and moist section of tissue into a hard paraffin block. This process is called embedding and is performed for the purpose of making it possible to slice the tissue into incredibly thin sections (approximately five micrometers). The ultra-thin slices allow histopathologists to view the size and structure of individual tumor cells.

A tissue section with a thickness of five micrometers is virtually transparent, forcing histopathologists to "stain" the tissue with various types of pigments (hematoxylin and eosin are common) designed to make it viewable under the microscope. Once a section of tissue has been embedded and stained, it is ready for examination.

Mesothelioma Cellular Types

Histopathological examination provides a definitive mesothelioma diagnosis in addition to providing detailed information about the type of mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal or pericardial) such as its cellular makeup. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be found in three distinct types: epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic.

Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer cell, accounting for 50% to 70% of all mesothelioma cancer cells. Epithelioid cancer cells are distinguished by their unique cellular pattern. They are relatively uniform in shape with a tubular pattern and a clearly defined cell nucleus under magnification.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common type of mesothelioma cancer cell, accounting for 10% to 15% of all mesothelioma cancer cells. Sarcomatoid cancer cells are typically oval shaped, but more irregular with a less visible cell nucleus under magnification.

Biphasic mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma cancer cell, accounting for 25% to 60% of all mesothelioma cancer cells. Biphasic cancer cells do not have a unique pattern because they are a combination of epithelioid cells and sarcomatoid cells. Biphasic mesothelioma cancer cells can be intertwined or isolated from one another across the tumor mass. The latter configuration can lead to a misdiagnosis of cellular type if an excised section of tissue contains only epithelioid or sarcomatoid cells.

Source

Mesothelioma Alternative Cancer Treatment

2007-11-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

The clinic has treated many peritoneal mesotheliotics who have achieved "remarkable" results.

# A 64 year old gentleman from Buffalo, New York was diagnosed with pleural malignant mesothelioma in early 1998. He underwent the extra-pleural pneumonectomy by Dr. Sugarbaker, followed by three (3) chemotherapy and fifteen (15) radiation treatments in July of 1998. In September, doctors discovered the mesothelioma had spread to his healthy lung. He was given two (2) months to live. He learned of the IAT clinic from his neighbor and traveled to the Bahamas in December. "I should be dead! But here I am! I feel good and I plan on feeling good for a long time."

# A 77 year old gentleman, also from Buffalo, was diagnosed with pleural malignant mesothelioma in September of 1997. He was offered no treatment and given radiation only to the biopsy wound. His family researched the Internet and local libraries in search of alternative treatments. They discovered the IAT clinic while reading about alternative therapies in a book. He traveled to the Bahamas in September of 1998. "I had to quit working because of the mesothelioma. All my life I got up in the morning and went to work." After going to the IAT clinic, he no longer gets tired "just sitting around." He is able to walk his dog, pull weeds in his yard and, as he puts it -- he has been blessed with the privilege of living.

# Cori Harth was first diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 1997 at the age of 49. She is continuing to live a strong and active life. "Having been told I probably would not make it to my 50th birthday, and having celebrated my 51st in the Bahamas doing fantastic, I have ample reason to be very thankful. The mesothelioma is no doubt still "there", but between the laetrile and IAT and stem cell, plus continuing my usual juicing, vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, as well as a good attitude, faith and prayer, my immune system is giving the tumor one heck of a run for its money!!!! All I can say is that it is not anecdotal - they treat many different types of cancers there, and believe me, all you would have to do is spend some hours in the clinic talking to patients from all walks of life. And Dr. Clement is totally open to having anyone talk to the patients, and most patients are happy to do so."

# Two men, ages 45 and 38 respectively, who suffered from peritoneal mesothelioma. Both were diagnosed in 1980. The 45 year old underwent conventional chemotherapy (cytoxan, adriamyein, etc.) prior to arriving at the IAT Clinic. The 38 year old had several of the tumors surgically removed. Both started receiving sera treatment in 1980. As of 1988, both reportedly "were in good health." The brochure is undated.

# A 79 year old liver cancer patient from Minnesota who was diagnosed over one year ago. He joked: "I look pretty good for being dead. My doctors gave me six weeks to live. I've been to more places and seen more things than most people, but I was not ready to give up." This patient learned of the clinic from a friend of his ex-wife.

# A 50 year old breast cancer patient from the East Coast. She was diagnosed two years ago. Her doctors gave her no hope for a cure. She learned of the IAT clinic through her veterinarian. We met a 65 year old prostate cancer patient from Colorado who diagnosed in 1990. His urologist told him of the clinic. He is doing very well.

# An 80 year old breast cancer patient from New York. She was diagnosed five years ago and underwent several chemotherapy treatments. Her doctors told her she was to begin radiation treatments as soon as she "got her health back." She did not wait and traveled to the clinic. Now, she is "too busy with my life to find time to play golf, which I love!"

# A 50 year old breast cancer patient from Huntsville, Alabama. She was first diagnosed in 1981 and was told of the clinic by a friend who was being treated for brain cancer. She stopped taking the treatments in 1991. In 1994, she was diagnosed with liver cancer and offered the same conventional treatment as was offered by her doctors in 1981. She went back to the clinic and resumed taking the sera. Today, she is active and leading a "normal" life.

# A 60 year old leukemia patient from New York. She was diagnosed in the early 1970's. In fact, she was the third patient ever treated with the sera by Dr. Burton.

# A doctor from Scotland who is in complete remission after being diagnosed fifteen (15) years ago. A doctor from St. Louis, Missouri was diagnosed with colon cancer eight (8) years ago, a doctor from Seattle, Washington diagnosed with prostate cancer nine (9) years ago. Each was advised by their personal doctors that their tumors were beyond the reach of conventional medicine.

Nowak AK, Lake RA, Kindler HL, Robinson BW. New approaches for mesothelioma: biologics, vaccines, gene therapy, and other novel agents. Semin Oncol. 2002 Feb;29(1):82-96.

University Department of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Verdun St Nedlands, Australia.

Although malignant mesothelioma is not a classically immunogenic cancer, there is abundant evidence for immune recognition. The relative ease of obtaining tumor tissue makes mesothelioma ideal for studying surrogate biomarkers such as lymphocytic infiltration or expression of transduced genes. There is evidence that malignant mesothelioma patients as well as asbestos-exposed persons without mesothelioma have impaired immune responsiveness. Substantial progress has been made in animal models using several biological and immunological techniques, but clinical application has been problematic. Systems studied have included lysis by interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a p16-expressing adenovirus vector, suicide gene therapy using the herpes simplex virus-tyrosine kinase (HSV-tk) followed by ganciclovir, and immunomodulatory gene therapy with IL-2, IL-4, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-6, and IL-1beta transfected into tumors. Vaccinia virus has been studied as a vector for cytokine gene transfer. Suicide gene therapy has been combined with a tumor vaccine. The University of Western Australia is initiating a pilot study of autologous vaccination in malignant mesothelioma. Novel agents under study include the angiogenesis inhibitors SU5416, bevacizumab, and thalidomide. ZD1839, an orally administered, highly selective inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, is being tested in a phase II trial. Since platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is thought to be an autocrine growth factor for mesothelioma STI-571 (Gleevec; Novartis, Basel, Switzerland), a highly selective inhibitor of the PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase, is being tested in a phase II trial. The development of more active cytotoxic combinations in this disease should facilitate further studies of chemoimmunotherapy. It seems likely that no single treatment modality will be effective by itself. Copyright 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Eradication of intraperitoneal and distant tumor by adenovirus-mediated interferon-beta gene therapy is attributable to induction of systemic immunity. Cancer Res. 2001 Aug 15;61(16):6201-12.

Odaka M, Sterman DH, Wiewrodt R, Zhang Y, Kiefer M, Amin KM, Gao GP, Wilson JM, Barsoum J, Kaiser LR, Albelda SM. Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

Malignant mesothelioma remains an incurable disease for which immune-modulatory therapies, such as exogenous cytokines, have shown some promise. One such cytokine, IFN-beta, has potent antiproliferative and immunostimulatory activity in vitro, but its in vivo use has been limited by toxicity. We thus conducted studies evaluating intracavitary delivery of a replication-deficient adenoviral (Ad) vector encoding for the murine IFN-beta gene (Ad.muIFN-beta) in mouse models of malignant mesothelioma. In contrast to multiple injections of recombinant protein, a single i.p. injection of Ad.muIFN-beta into animals with established tumors elicited remarkable antitumor activity leading to long-term survival in >90% of animals bearing either AB12 or AC29 i.p. mesotheliomas. A control adenovirus vector had minimal antitumor effect in vivo. Significant therapeutic effects were also seen in animals treated with large tumor burdens. Importantly, treatment of i.p. tumor also led to reduction of growth in tumors established at a distant site (flank). A number of experiments suggested that these effects were attributable to an acquired CD8(+) T-cell-mediated response including: (a) the induction of long-lasting antitumor immunity; (b) loss of efficacy of Ad.muIFN-beta in tumor-bearing, immune-deficient (SCID, SCID/beige) mice; (c) detection of high levels of specific antitumor cytolytic activity from unstimulated splenocytes harvested from Ad.muIFN-beta-treated animals that was abolished by CD8(+) T-cell depletion; and (d) abrogation of antitumor effects of Ad.muIFN-beta in tumor-bearing CD8(+) T-cell-depleted animals. These data show that intracavitary IFN-beta gene therapy using an adenoviral vector provides strong CD8(+) T-cell-mediated antitumor effects in murine models of mesothelioma and suggest that this may be a promising strategy for the treatment of localized tumors such as mesothelioma or ovarian cancer in humans.

Source

Pinay Scandal Revealed!

2007-11-15T14:05:00.001-08:00

Today I am revealing some "Pinay Scandal" - no it's not about me and my adventures/mis-adventures, ohh gosh I got too much scandals already here in my blog.

What Am talking about is "Pinay Scandal" by Marhgil Macuha. Originally it is an SEO contest. I didn’t think it would catch fire until macuha.com according to Pinoy Ambisyoso, many posted comments on his Pinay Scandal post, and are interested to join this campaign. Get started now - this was simply similar to the Viral Tags that went around and got me right at the bottom - before I knew it, my ratings on Technorati and Alexa has jumped 10-fold! This campaign will generate tons of traffic from Pinoys searching for a piece of something.. and guess what? We just changed the Google Trend for this keyword. They’ll find your blog instead!! Haha!

I will make serial updates to this post adding those that will join the campaign. Let’s continue the experiment and see where it takes us… Goodluck bloggers! Let us change the

The Pinay Scandal Hitlist posted below.

1. Wanna know the latest trend about Pinay Scandal? by Dexter of Tech At Hand
2. Pinay Scandal… The Issue by Darang Sisa
3. Pinay Scandal by Almer Viloria
4. Google Suggested Pinay Scandal by Ada
5. Pinay Scandal by Ada
6. Pinay Scandal by Catzie
7. Pinay Scandal by Jehzeel Laurente
8. Pinay Scandals: Earning Big Bucks? by Nika
9. Pinay Scandal by Heart
10. Looking For Pinay Scandals?! by Eli
11. Pinay Scandal by Eligio
12. Pinay Scandal by Stentorized
13. Pinay Scandal by Caryl
14. Pinay Scandal o Iskandalosang Pinay by Kengkay
15. Pinay Scandal by Hazel
16. Pinay Scandal by Baby Face
17. Pinay Scandal Story by Pinoy Ambisyoso
18. Pinay Scandal by Kenneth
19. Pinay Scandal by JoanJoyce
20. Pinay Scandal, Anyone? by MyGlitch
21. Pinay Scandal Here by Jojitah
22. “Pinay Scandal” Idea by Neil
23. Pinay Scandal… In The Mind Of Pinays by Marikenya
24. The Pinay Scandal - Most Outrageous and Raw Scandal by Chuva
25. Pinoy Scandal Survivor No. 1 Proud Filipina: Julie Borje by Marikenya
26. Pinay Scandal by Chuvaness
27. The Best of Pinay Scandals by Rhodilee
28. Pinay Scandal by Che
29. Pinay Scandal by JeanGrey
30. Pinay Scandal Revealed! by Glitchline
31. Pinay Scandal on the Web by Philippine Elections 2007
32. Pinay Scandal, Let’s Play The Trend by Selaplana
33. The Hottest Pinay Scandals by iRonnie
34. Blog About Filipina, Pinay Scandal And Vedio by Allen
35. Pinay Scandal Video by Ronald Mojica
36. Pinay Scandal by Paulyn
37. Pinay Scandal Videos by Mi

38. Pinay Scandals by Rhyannefranz
39. Pinay Scandal Revealed! by Mesothelioma Info
40. Pinay Scandal or Pinay Sex Scandal SEO Project by Lestat
41. Pinay Scandal Here by Ronald
42. Sendal Videos Sell by Blogging Pinay
43. Pinay Scandal / Pnx And Pinay Scaay Scandal: 18 Above Only by Ceefive
44. Pinay Scandal Me by Marlene
45. Pinay Scandal in Baguio City by Reyna Elena
46. Pinay Scandal, Performing In Bubbles by Kotsengkuba

New York Mesothelioma Lawyer Discusses Dangers of Asbestos

2007-11-13T14:07:00.001-08:00

mesothelioma video

2007-11-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma Survivors: John Smith, Age 64

2007-11-10T06:20:00.000-08:00

I was always taught by my parents that to live a successful life, I should be an honest, hard-working and compassionate person.I lived each and every day of my life like this.

I began working in the manufacturing plant of a large auto company once I was finished with school. I married my wife 40 years ago and always provided for her and my four kids. We lived a good life, were never wealthy, but comfortable and happy.

I worked long hours, 10 to 12 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, so that my wife could stay at home and raise our children. I was an honest man who worked his way up to plant manager. I was fair to my workers, and worked side-by-side with them in each area of the plant. We were dedicated to our company and gave them the best years of our lives.

And we were happy to do it.

Now, decades later, I am being re-paid in a way I never expected…

It was almost six weeks ago now that I found out I have a very deadly form of cancer called mesothelioma. This has become the worst word in the English language to me and my family. We were devastated to hear the cruel diagnosis after a short period of time when I was having some trouble breathing. It never crossed our minds that I was breathing in deadly asbestos fibers at the workplace where I gave so much of my life, 50 hours or more a week for years.

Each breath I took while at work was contributing to my early death sentence.

I felt so betrayed.

So, I have now begun my dreaded journey to treat a disease that is said to be incurable. I have already had a pneumonectomy, which consisted of an operation to remove the lung that was infected. The recovery has been tough, but with the support of my family, I am getting through it.

The other treatments that I am facing are radiation and chemotherapy. I know that the side effects of these are said to be most unpleasant, but at this point, there really aren’t too many options. I continue to hope for a miracle and try not to let bitterness and anger fester over how this disease began in my body.

I find myself thinking of which day of work it was that I finally took in one too many deadly breaths that pushed my body into a deadly spiral towards this horrible disease. I try to fight these feelings, but sometime I just can’t help the thought of what was done to my body in the quest for profits and a better life for others.

I feel so betrayed. But, at least I am alive… That is more than can be said for many others in my position. I have the love and support of my caring wife and family, and the help of friends and associates. Each day is a struggle, but we are getting on.

And we will; until the very end.

Mesothelioma Survivors: Jane Doe, Age 58

2007-11-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

The day started out like any other day. I was planning on going out to lunch with two of my long-time friends and then spending the afternoon with my daughter and my three beautiful grandchildren.

I noticed what a beautiful sunny day it was as I drove to my primary care doctor to discuss a reoccurring cough that I had had for the past few months. Previous doctor’s visits had not resulted in any diagnosis; but when my doctor’s office called the previous day, they said I should go in to the office to discuss the next step.

When I left the office only 45 minutes later, I realized my life was changed forever. I had been given the devastating news that I had mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that is currently untreatable.

Looking back on that day, I was in shock. I don’t remember driving home, or how my friends knew enough to come over.

How could this be happening to me?

I have always been a healthy, active woman. Other than losing my husband to lung cancer 4 years ago, I have always had a pretty blessed life. Telling my kids was the hardest part. Knowing that I wouldn’t be around to watch my precious grandchildren grow up, or to see my youngest son get married, was unbearable.

I was about to begin the last chapter of my life... A chapter that no one could ever be prepared to face.

After living in a state of shock, anger, and then followed by severe depression for a few weeks, I began to ‘come out of the fog’. I realized that yes, my life was going to be much shorter than I had anticipated, but I was still alive. I began to seek out support groups for people with terminal illness. This was a tremendous help for me.

It didn’t make having mesothelioma any easier. That part still felt as if I was living a nightmare. What the support group did do was to help me feel like I am not the only person to go through such a horrible experience.

By sharing our stories and our sources of comfort and hope, I felt a sense of being more at peace with things.

One question that I can’t get out of my head is how?

I have always been healthy, active, never smoked…
Where did this horrible disease come from?

It has been concluded that the cause of my disease was 25 years of my husband working as a carpenter and coming home with dust-filled clothes. I always assumed it was drywall dust; in-fact, it was asbestos…

Being the home-maker I was, I routinely did laundry for the family several times a week. Apparently this simple, mundane task that seemed so harmless for all those years, was like breathing in deadly air in the mistaken ‘safety’ of my own home.

The hardest part of this whole illness isn’t all of the pain and suffering that quickly comes along, nor is it the endless doctors appointments, and losing your sense of independence. The worst part of mesothelioma is how quickly the disease progresses and how little time that leaves you with family and loved ones.

I just can’t imagine not being here with them on holidays, and for all of the daily nuances of life. I still struggle with this each and every day, and try to be thankful for every minute I am on this earth with the people I love.

I have some comfort in knowing that when my time comes, I will be able to be with my husband once again, hopefully watching over my family like a guardian angel, to make sure they are never working in an environment that years later could kill them or their own family.

Source

Mesothelioma Subtype Shows Lengthier Projected Longevity: IASLC

2007-11-05T11:56:00.001-08:00

SEOUL, Sept. 21 -- Some malignant mesothelioma patients may have a prognosis that's not as grim as once widely believed, said a Nordic collaborative group.

Patients diagnosed with epithelial subtype mesothelioma and treated solely with chemotherapy had a median survival of 15 months, while some patients survived beyond three years. This was reported at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer meeting by Gunnar Hillerdal, M.D., of the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm and colleagues.

The Nordic group experience contrasts with a clinical perception that mesothelioma patients usually die within a year, the investigators noted. A large multicenter trial based in the U.S. demonstrated a 12 month survival rate when using cisplatin with or without pemetrexed versus nine months with cisplatin alone. Other trials have yielded similar results.

Dr. Hillerdal said, "The Nordic Mesothelioma Group experience is different."

Surgery is used sparingly in treating mesothelioma in the Nordic countries. Dr. Hillerdal said, elsewhere in the world, patients with the most favorable characteristics (such as good performance status and lower-stage disease) often are recommended for surgery, leaving patients with the worst prognosis for chemotherapy treatment.

Data on 147 mesothelioma patients treated with chemotherapy alone and followed until death or for a minimum of 18 months were analyzed by Nordic investigators. All the patients were given gemcitabine, carboplatin, and liposomal doxorubicin.

In analyzing survival by histologic subtype it was seen that the epithelial subtype represented 108 patients (73%), 21 patients (14%) for the mixed subtype, and 18 patients (12%) for the sarcomatous subtype.

44% of epithelial subtype mesothelioma patients survived at least 18 months, 25% survived for two years, 9% lived three years or longer, and two patients remained alive after five years of follow-up. Those diagnosed with epithelial stage IV disease (distant metastases) had a median survival rate of 11 months, two lived for at least two years, and one patient was still living at 61 months.

Dr. Hillerdal remarked, "This is more favorable than stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer".

Patients with mixed subtype mesothelioma or sarcomatous disease had a less favorable outlook. This was demonstrated in a median survival rate of eight months and four months, respectively. There were no patients in either group that lived as long as two years.

"The key message from this study is that the survival rate for people diagnosed with mesothelioma is not as bad as many would believe," said Dr. Hillerdal. "Survival with chemotherapy can be just as good as with surgery or even better with proper patient selection. Patient selection is the important thing to consider. Stage is less important than subtype, and that should be kept in mind when evaluating results of surgical remedies."

Source

Mesothelioma Treatment News; Medical, Legal and Legislative Stories

2007-11-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

As advocates for asbestos victims, the attorneys at Brayton Purcell keep up–to–date on medical, legal, and legislative issues that affect mesothelioma patients and their families. Bookmark this page for the latest information about mesothelioma treatment and diagnosis, asbestos in the home and workplace, funding for mesothelioma centers, and halting asbestos exposure. For earlier news articles, see Mesothelioma News Archive.

Medical Articles:

September 28, 2007
Certain Mesothelioma Patients Living Longer with Chemotherapy
August 17, 2007
School of Public Health Heads Study on Iron Range Miners and Mesothelioma
June 29, 2007
Six More Minnesota Iron Range Miners Have Mesothelioma
June 15, 2007
Study Confirms Usefulness of Pemetrexed (Alimta®) As Mesothelioma Treatment
April 20, 2007
Minnesota Iron Miners Developed Mesothelioma
March 30, 2007
Measuring Mesothelin in Effusions May Be Useful in Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Study Suggests
March 16, 2007
Asbestos More Likely to Cause Mesothelioma in Men Than in Women, Study Suggests
February 23, 2007
FDA Approves MESOMARK® Assay Test for Detecting Mesothelioma
February 16, 2007
Combination of Pemetrexed and Cisplatin Improves the Survival Rate of Mesothelioma Patients
February 9, 2007
Onconase® Granted Orphan Drug Status for Mesothelioma Treatment
January 5, 2007
Pemetrexed May Be Helpful in the Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Case Study Suggests
November 22, 2006
Alimta® (Pemetrexed) Study Indicated Drug’s Effectiveness in Treating Pleural Mesothelioma
July 28, 2006
Statins May Help Pleural Mesothelioma Cells Respond to Chemotherapy Drug Doxorubicin
June 2, 2006
Surgery Plus Chemotherapy May Help Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients
April 21, 2006
Sequential Chemotherapy Regime Showed Promise in Treating Mesothelioma Patients, According to New Study
March 31, 2006
Clinical Trial Looks at Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment with Pemetrexed (Alimta®) Plus Carboplatin (Paraplatin®)
March 24, 2006
Study Pinpoints Distribution of Mesothelioma in US
February 24, 2006
Early Chemotherapy Benefits Mesothelioma Patients
December 16, 2005
Montana Study Shows Mesothelioma Cases Follow Railroad Lines
October 21, 2005
Osteopontin Shows Promise as Marker for Detecting Pleural Mesothelioma
October 14, 2005
Study Shows Improvement in Pleural Mesothelioma Patients Treated with Cisplatin Plus Raltitrexed
September 30, 2005
MARF To Hold Second International Symposium On Malignant Mesothelioma
August 5, 2005
Mesothelioma Patients Being Recruited for Sorafenib Study
July 8, 2005
Naturally Occurring Asbestos May Increase Mesothelioma Risk, Study Suggests
May 11, 2005
New Mesothelioma Blood Test Now Available
April 01, 2005
Effect of IMRT Radiation Following the Mesothelioma Surgery Known as “Extrapleural Pneumonectomy”
April 01, 2005
Onconase® Granted Orphan Drug Status for Mesothelioma Treatment in Australia
December 03, 2004
Mesothelioma Treatment Using A Combination of Surgery and Chemotherapy

October 1, 2004
Gemcitabine and Cisplatin May Improve Outcome of Surgery for Mesothelioma Patients, Study Suggests
August 6, 2004
Australian Researchers Report on New Mesothelioma Drug, SBP002
July 16, 2004
Study Reviews Complications of Mesothelioma Surgery
June 25, 2004
Clinical Trial Shows Promise for Veglin In Fighting Tumors
May 28, 2004
Research on Surgery in Treating Mesothelioma
April 9, 2004
Cancer Center to Treat Mesothelioma Patients Exposed to Vermiculite
March 26, 2004
Newly Approved Colorectal Cancer Drug Now in Clinical Trial for Mesothelioma Patients
February 13, 2004
FDA Approves Sale of Mesothelioma Drug Alimta®
December 12, 2003
Distinguishing Mesothelioma From Lung Adenocarcinoma Through MUC4 Analysis
November 21, 2003
Scientists Working on Blood Test to Detect Mesothelioma
October 3, 2003
Positron Emission Tomography Indicated Spread of Pleural Mesothelioma
September 12, 2003
EPA Downplayed Post–9/11 Asbestos and Other Safety Hazards in NYC, Report Says
September 5, 2003
Radiotherapy and Surgery in Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment
August 22, 2003
Pemetrexed (Alimta®) Plus Cisplatin Shows Continuing Promise in Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment
July 3, 2003
Use of Mediastinoscopy to Determine Whether Mesothelioma Tumors Have Spread
June 13, 2003
Gemcitabine and Carboplatin May Prove Helpful in Mesothelioma Treatment
May 5, 2003
New Ways to Approach Mesothelioma Diagnosis
April 18, 2003
Foscan–Mediated PDT and Surgery May Prove Helpful for Mesothelioma Patients
March 7, 2003
Growth Factors in Mesothelioma Cell Lines Studied
February 14, 2003
Study Shows Raltitrexed Alone May Be Helpful in Mesothelioma Treatment
January 24, 2003
Raltitrexed and Oxaliplatin Evaluated in Mesothelioma Treatment

Legal

February 18, 2005
W.R. Grace Accused of Hiding Asbestos Health Problems
May 30, 2003
EPA Issues Vermiculite Insulation Warning
March 10, 2003
Asbestos Victims Can Sue for Stress Due to Cancer Fears

Legislative

January 14, 2005
Specter Wants To Finish Asbestos Bill By Early February

July 23, 2004
Update on Asbestos Legislation
May 14, 2004
Talks on Frist/Hatch Asbestos Bill End Without Agreement
April 27, 2004
Hatch/Frist Asbestos Bailout Bill Stalled in Senate
September 5, 2003
Hatch Asbestos Bill to Go Before Senate; Annotated Text of Bill Provided
August 22 2003
Asbestos Bill, S.B. 1125, Is a Sham, Construction Worker Says
August 15, 2003
S.B. 1125 Deprives Asbestos Victims of Due Process, Asbestos Claimants’ Committee Says
July 31, 2003
Texas Bills Harmful to Asbestos Victims
July 7, 2003
Hatch Bill Provides Inadequate Protection for Asbestos Victims
June 6, 2003
Bill Reintroduced to Ban Asbestos, Set Up Mesothelioma Registry

Source

Learning About Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

2007-11-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

A clinical trial is a research study using volunteers. Its purpose is to find cures or treatments for diseases such as mesothelioma or other serious health conditions. Researchers must conduct animal or laboratory studies that produce positive results before they try a new procedure or drug on human subjects in a clinical trial. A typical mesothelioma clinical trial determines whether a treatment is safe and effective, the best way to administer a drug, and the proper dosage. Any side effects are observed and noted.

Some mesothelioma patients choose to participate in clinical trials in order to have a greater sense of control over their health, and renewed hope for an improved quality of life. Pemetrexed or Alimta® is an example of a drug originally tested in a mesothelioma clinical trial. It has been approved as a pleural mesothelioma treatment when combined with a standard chemotherapy agent, cisplatin.

The downside of clinical trials is that patients are participating in an experimental study. Results may be positive and helpful, inconclusive, or negative. There are no guarantees. You should carefully consult with your physician before you decide to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial. Consider your own needs and desires, as well as your health status.

Types of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are conducted in segments or phases. A phase I clinical trial determines how a drug works, and its side effects at various doses. It may give some preliminary evidence of effectiveness. Usually, only a small number of people take part in a phase I clinical trial. A phase II clinical trial involves more participants. Its purpose is to further evaluate the drug’s effectiveness, its safety, and side effects.

A phase III trial gathers even more information about the overall benefits and risks of a drug or treatment. For example, the effects of a new drug or procedure are compared to a current standard treatment. This is done by randomly assigning participants to receive the standard or new treatment. Phase III trials often enroll large numbers of people and may be conducted at several clinics or cancer centers at once.

Who Conducts Mesothelioma Clinical Trials?

The federal National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institute of Health sponsors many of the clinical trials in the United States. The studies may be funded by the NCI and run by a network of doctors, hospitals, and cancer centers. Other sponsors include drug manufacturers, biotechnology companies, nonprofit groups, or even private physicians.

Finding Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Your doctor or cancer center may recommend a particular mesothelioma clinical trial. You may also read about a clinical trial that is recruiting volunteers through a newspaper or magazine. Some patients actively look for clinical trials. If you are in the later category, you may want to consult the web sites listed below. They provide current lists of clinical trials, including eligibility requirements, geographic location, and medical background.

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Trial Search
This database may be accessed by type of treatment and geographical location. Also see the NCI’s advanced search, which allows you to locate clinical trials by drug or procedure name, your cancer stage, sponsor name, as well as by geographic area and other factors.
National Institute of Health Clinical Trial Search
You can indicate type of treatment or drug, stage of cancer, clinical study phase, or sponsor in accessing this database.
Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups, Inc.
Provides a 9–step questionnaire before you may access the database. This may be somewhat burdensome.

In addition, you can check the web sites of major cancer centers near you. They usually have information about current mesothelioma clinical trials.
Questions to Ask About Mesothelioma Treatment and Clinical Trials

The American Cancer Society suggests asking these questions of your medical team before participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial.

* » Why is this study being done?
* » What is likely to happen in my case if I decide to participate or not participate?
* » What are my other options (standard treatments, other studies)?
* » What are their advantages and disadvantages?
* » What were the results in previous studies of this treatment?
* » What kinds of tests and treatments does the study involve? How often are they done, and how much time it required?
* » How could the study affect my daily life?
* » What are the possible side effects?
* » Will I have to be hospitalized? Will I still be seeing my regular doctor?
* » What are my costs, if any?
* » How long is the study?
* » Is long–term follow–up care part of the study?
* » Are there others participating in the study whom I could speak to?

Again, you will need to look at the risks versus the benefits of taking part in any clinical trial. Factors to consider include your own health, your expectations, your family relationships, and your present quality of life.

Source

Mesothelioma Verdicts and Settlements

2007-11-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

Below are samples of some of our mesothelioma trial court cases and settlements. For details about our complete court record and our law practice, please feel free to contact us.
Todak v. Foster Wheeler L.L.C., 2002, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 320621 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A San Francisco jury returned the largest asbestos verdict in California, $33.7 million, in favor of a Navy electrician and his wife. The electrician had developed mesothelioma from his occupational exposure to asbestos. He was awarded $22.7 million in economic and non–economic damages. His wife was awarded $11 million for loss of consortium. The defendant, Foster Wheeler Corporation, designed, manufactured and supplied marine boilers with asbestos–containing components including refractory block insulation, roving material, and gaskets.
Garcia v. Duro Dyne Corporation, 2005, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 418098 (Peritoneal Mesothelioma)

A jury awarded over $1.9 million to a 71–year–old retired sheet metal worker who developed peritoneal mesothelioma from his prior on–the–job exposure to asbestos. Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that first attacks the membranes lining the stomach.

The defendant, Duro Dyne Corporation, is a former manufacturer and distributor of asbestos–containing flex HVAC duct connectors and duct sealer used for sheet metal duct connections. Mr. Garcia worked with Duro Dyne Corporation’s asbestos–containing sheet metal products throughout his 48–year career.
Cadlo v. John Crane Inc. and Metalclad Insulation Corp., 2005, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 412325 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A 60–year–old Navy machinist and engineering officer was exposed to asbestos in products made by the defendants, John Crane, Inc. and Metalclad Insulation Corp., and developed pleural mesothelioma. The jury returned a verdict of over $8.6 million in his favor. During his naval career, Mr. Cadlo removed and installed pump and valve packing and gaskets, all of which contained asbestos. He was also routinely exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos from thermal insulation, packing, and gaskets in the engine rooms of ships.
Hoeffer v. Rockwell Automation, 2003, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 28817 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A San Francisco jury awarded $2,999,543 to a 74–year–old retired electrician who was terminally ill with pleural mesothelioma caused by occupational asbestos exposure. He had worked with asbestos–containing phenolic plastic compounds and asbestos–containing parts on electrical equipment.

The defendant, Rockwell Automation, was held liable for the defective products and negligence of its Allen Bradley division and a former division, Rostone Corporation. Rostone Corporation developed, manufactured and sold asbestos–containing phenolic plastic compounds and molded asbestos–containing parts for many of the major electrical equipment manufacturers. Allen Bradley also manufactured and sold asbestos–containing electrical equipment.
Vasen v. Exxon Mobil Corporation, 2001, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 312211 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

An insulator contracted mesothelioma from work around boilers at a refinery located in Benicia, California. A jury returned a verdict of $8 million in his favor and against the defendant, Exxon Mobil Corporation, the owner and operator of the oil refinery.
Clemmer v. John Crane, Inc. and Thorpe Insulation Company, 2006, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 434434 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A jury returned a verdict in favor of a retired machinist and his wife in their products liability and negligence trial against John Crane, Inc., a former manufacturer of asbestos–containing valve and pump packing, and Thorpe Insulation Company, a former supplier and distributor of asbestos thermal insulation. The defendants were negligent and failed to warn about defects in their products, which were defectively designed, according to the jury. It assessed over $550,000 in economic damages, $1.1 million in non–economic damages and $250,000 for loss of consortium.
Nagl v. Dowman Products Inc., 2004, Oregon Circuit Court, Multnomah County, Case No. 02–04–04227 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

An Oregon jury determined that a floor installer suffering from the cancer mesothelioma was entitled to over $659,000 due to his on–the–job exposure to asbestos. The plaintiff was first diagnosed with asbestos pleural disease, and then with malignant mesothelioma. He died from mesothelioma five months after the trial ended.

Mr. Nagl installed new floors in hundreds of homes in Northern Oregon. He used various hazardous asbestos–containing products, including vinyl asbestos floor tile, sheet flooring products, floor leveling compounds, and joint compounds. Dowman Fix–All patching compound, manufactured by the defendant, Dowman Products Inc., was one of these products.
Efstratios v. John Crane, Inc., 2001, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BC226519 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A steamfitter diagnosed with mesothelioma was awarded over $4.4 million in damages. The defendant, John Crane, Inc., manufactured asbestos pump and valve packing and gaskets that the steamfitter used at a power plant during the 1950s and 1960s.
Traverso, et al. v. Lorillard Tobacco Company, 2000, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 990560 (Peritoneal Mesothelioma)

A jury awarded over $1 million to two children of a woman who died from abdominal mesothelioma caused by her exposure to asbestos when she smoked Kent Micronite asbestos–filtered cigarettes from 1953–1956. The defendant, Lorillard Tobacco Company, manufactured the cigarettes during this period.
Chavers v. Owens–Illinois, Inc.; Gatke Corporation, 2000, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 320851 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A San Francisco jury awarded over $4.6 million to a former Navy seaman afflicted with malignant mesothelioma caused by his occupational exposure to asbestos. The defendants were Owens–Illinois, Inc. and Gatke Corporation, former manufacturers of asbestos–containing insulation and friction products.

The jury found Owens–Illinois guilty of negligence, products liability and fraud. It also concluded that Owens–Illinois was involved in a conspiracy dating to the 1930s whereby many manufacturers of asbestos products concealed facts regarding the dangers of their products and misrepresented the true nature of the hazards the products posed to unsuspecting workers.
Armstrong v. Asbestos Defendants, 1998, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 985289 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

An insulator who worked in refineries, power plants and shipyards during the 1960s and 1970s developed pleural mesothelioma from his exposure to the defendants’ asbestos–containing products. Raymark Industries, Inc. made asbestos cloth products. Another defendant, Pittsburgh Corning Corporation, made asbestos pipe covering products.

The jury returned a verdict of close to $4.5 million in favor of the insulator. It included $96,500 for medical expenses; $857,546 lost earnings; and $3,500,000 for pain and suffering.
Wilson v. John Crane Co., 1998, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 991085 and 312045 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A San Francisco jury awarded Mr. and Mrs. Wilson over $4.5 million in damages in their personal injury and products liability case. Mr. Wilson had developed pleural mesothelioma as the result of his exposure to asbestos during his work as a machinist. The defendant, John Crane, Inc., manufactured and supplied asbestos products, including packing and gaskets, which Mr. Wilson used throughout most of his career at Southwestern power plants.

The jury awarded Mr. Wilson $591,091.51 in economic damages and $3 million in non–economic damages, including pain and suffering. His wife was awarded $1 million for her loss of consortium claim.
Petrini v. Mohasco Corporation, 1998, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 961525 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A floor mechanic died of pleural mesothelioma that he developed from being exposed to asbestos at job sites. His widow suffered a loss of financial support as well as the love, companionship and moral support of her husband as a result of his premature death, according to the jury. It returned a verdict of $995,432.15 in her favor. The defendant was Mohasco Corporation (formerly William J. Volker Company), a distributor of asbestos–containing floor tile and sheet vinyl products.
Wiggins, et al. v. Owens–Corning Fiberglas, et al., 1996, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 954274 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

The wife and children of a man who died of pleural mesothelioma were awarded over $3.8 million in damages by a San Francisco jury. The mesothelioma victim, Mr. Wiggins, died at the age of 54. He had been exposed to asbestos while working as a boilerman and serving in the Navy for 30 months in 1957 to 1960. Asbestos dust was a serious problem during the overhaul of the ship on which he served in 1958. The defendant, Owens–Corning Fiberglas, manufactured and sold much of the asbestos pipe insulation that was used on board the ship during its overhaul.
Mitchell v. Asbestos Corporation Limited, et al., 1996, San Francisco Superior Court, Case Nos. 955576 and 975884 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A jury awarded $953,112.00 to Mr. Mitchell, who suffered from pleural mesothelioma. He had worked at Moore Dry Dock, a San Francisco shipyard, where he was first exposed to asbestos as a welder. He was also exposed to asbestos while a merchant marine in the 1940s. Defendant Asbestos Corporation Limited, a Canadian mining company located in the town of Asbestos, Canada, sold asbestos fibers to the makers of asbestos insulation used at the Moore Dry Dock. The company’s fiber was also used in the various ships on which Mr. Mitchell served as a merchant marine.
Suprenant v. 20th Century Fox Corporation, et al., 2005, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BC 271320 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

Ms. Suprenant died from pleural mesothelioma, which she developed from exposure to asbestos brought home on her husband’s clothing. She did his laundry during the years he worked as a plasterer for the studios and was exposed to asbestos. The case was settled for an amount in excess of $2.5 million.
Holland v. U.S. Mineral; Douglas Insulation Co., 1999, San Francisco Superior Court, Case Nos. 993822 and 311885 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

Ms. Holland had worked as a teacher in schools that were contaminated with asbestos, and may also have been exposed to asbestos in her home and from asbestos dust brought home on her father’s clothes. She contracted mesothelioma through direct and indirect exposure to asbestos–containing plasters, drywall compounds, tiles, insulation cements, textiles, pipe covering and fireproofing. The case was settled after opening trial statements for an amount in excess of $1 million.
Hopkins v. Union Carbide Corp., et al., 2003, San Francisco Superior Court, Case Nos. 408556, 446752, and 505544 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

Mr. Hopkins was a carpenter who worked on new construction and developed pleural mesothelioma. He cleaned up dust, debris and packaging materials from various building products. These included floor tile, mastic, adhesives, sheetrock, joint compound, lath, plaster, stucco, ceiling tile, roofing materials, insulation, cements, gaskets, valve packing, asbestos cement pipe, asbestos cement board, and raw asbestos fiber. A settlement of over $5.5 million was reached at the conclusion of plaintiff’s case in chief.
Green v. Union Carbide Corp., et al., 2003, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 405718 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

Mr. Green held jobs as a laborer and carpenter. He was also a seaman in the Navy where he worked around insulators, boilermakers, and welders. Mr. Green may have been exposed to asbestos in insulation, raw fiber, cloth, tape, pipe coverings, cement, lagging, gaskets, and valve packing. He developed pleural mesothelioma. A settlement of over $1.6 million was reached during the case in chief.
Ransdell v. Sequoia Ventures, et al., 2003, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 417266 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

A pipefitter for most of his life, Mr. Ransdell developed pleural mesothelioma from his on–the–job exposure to asbestos. The case was settled during jury selection for an amount in excess of $2.5 million.
Ketchum v. Union Carbide Corporation, 2004, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 412550 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

An electrician while in the Navy and after he left the service, Mr. Ketchum worked with wire and electrical components. He developed pleural mesothelioma. The case was settled during jury selection for an amount in excess of $3.6 million.
Scandlyn v. Metalclad Insulation Corporation, et al., 2005, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 431122 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

As a nuclear refueling inspector/supervisor and receipt supervisor for the nuclear department at MINSY in the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. Scandlyn worked on all the nuclear submarines that came into Mare Island, CA, including USS Guitarro, USS Pintado, USS Hawkbill and USS Drum during new construction, refueling, and other occasions. The final defendant, Metalclad Insulation, supplied the amosite asbestos thermal insulation (Unibestos) that was used on those four submarines. Mr. Scandlyn developed pleural mesothelioma. The case was settled during pretrial motions for an amount in excess of $2 million.
Fisher v. D.B. Riley, et al., 2005, San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. 435202 (Pleural Mesothelioma)

Mr. Fisher was a plant operator at various power stations for Nevada Power, Las Vegas, from 1957 through 1964. He supervised shutdowns on the power plants, including the repair and maintenance of asbestos–containing boilers manufactured by the final defendant, D.B. Riley. The case was settled for an amount in excess of $2 million.

Source

Surgery Plus Chemotherapy May Help Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients

2007-11-05T11:44:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, DC — June 2, 2006 — The length of survival for peritoneal mesothelioma patients who have undergone surgery as well as chemotherapy may be several years, according to a recent study at the Washington Cancer Institute (Eur J Surg Oncol., 2006 Apr 15). This is in contrast to those patients with peritoneal mesothelioma who have been treated with chemotherapy only or with radiation and who generally survive for one year or less.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that first attacks the membranes surrounding the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma). Peritoneal mesothelioma is the rarer form of the cancer, making up about one–quarter of mesothelioma cases.

Surgery involving the abdominal membranes was performed on 65 patients at the Washington Hospital Center in order to remove mesothelioma cancer cells. This is called cytoreductive or debulking surgery, a procedure that can last several hours. Sometimes it is necessary to also remove segments of the stomach.

During surgery, the patients received the standard chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin. The drug solution was warmed and administered into their abdominal cavities, a procedure known as “hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy” or HIIC.

After surgery, the mesothelioma patients were treated for five days with paclitaxel (TAXOL®), a chemotherapy drug that is generally used by breast cancer patients. Cisplatin and doxorubicin are platinum–based compounds that are thought to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. TAXOL® also slows or stops cancer cell growth.
Survival Time Increased for Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients

The median length of survival among the 65 peritoneal mesothelioma patients was 79 months, and they were also freed from the build–up of excess fluid in their stomach cavities. When surgeons were able to remove most of a mesothelioma tumor (“adequate cytoreduction”), the patient had a better chance of survival than did a patient who had a larger remaining tumor after surgery (“suboptimal cytoreduction”). The researchers pointed out that a patient with a mesothelioma tumor greater than five centimeters in the upper abdominal area would not be a good candidate for surgery, as the result would likely be suboptimal cytoreduction. They suggested using CT scans to determine tumor size when selecting patients for the surgery/chemotherapy treatment procedure.

The Washington Cancer Institute researchers also reviewed other peritoneal mesothelioma reports from Maryland, New York, Italy and France. In these studies, about half the patients with peritoneal mesothelioma were alive after five years if they were treated with surgery as well as chemotherapy using HIIC techniques.
Learning More About Surgery and Peritoneal Mesothelioma

For more detailed information about peritoneal mesothelioma surgery, see the web site, Peritonectomy.com. In addition, an article by Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, one of the authors of the Washington Cancer Institute study, describes cytoreductive surgery and provides illustrations.

Please feel free to contact us at Brayton Purcell if you have mesothelioma and would like legal information. We have been handling cases involving mesothelioma and asbestos exposure for over 20 years and can provide support, information, and excellent advocacy.

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Mesothelioma Treatment Options

2007-10-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

The treatment program for mesothelioma depends on many factors, including: the stage of the cancer, where the cancer is, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer cells look under the microscope and the patient’s age and desires.

TIME MATTERS

People diagnosed with this disease are often told the expected survival rate is only eight to twelve months. However, specialists in treating malignant mesothelioma at the leading cancer centers often have better statistics.

For instance, the five-year survival rate has approached 40% for selected patients of Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women’s Center in Boston. To qualify for Dr. Sugarbaker’s treatment you must meet certain criteria. One of them is being in the early stages of the disease, so time is of the essence. To find out more about Dr. Sugarbaker and other physicians and cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma click on Finding Specialists.

Click here for an article by Dr. David J. Sugarbaker that appeared in the The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, January 1999 (12 pages in Adobe PDF format).

TRADITIONAL CARE

There are three traditional kinds of treatment for patients with malignant mesothelioma:

* Surgery (taking out the cancer)
* Chemotherapy (using drugs to fight the cancer)
* Radiation Therapy (using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells)

Often two or more of these are combined in the course of treatment.
MESOMARK BLOOD TEST

NEW! In January 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the MESOMARK assay to help monitor response to treatment in epithelial and bi-phasic malignant mesothelioma patients. A specific protein, or biomarker, called Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptide (SMRP), may be released into the blood by mesothelioma cancer cells. By measuring the amount of SMRP in a blood sample, doctors may be able to better monitor a patient's progress. Based on the limited amount of data currently available, use of this test may be beneficial, but effectiveness has not been determined at this time. The MESOMARK blood test has NOT yet been approved for the early diagnosis of mesothelioma.

This test has been approved as a Humanitarian Use Device (HUD), meaning that physicians must follow certain procedures to qualify their patients for testing. Once the physician is certified, informational brochures will be sent to be distributed to each applicable patient.

Those wishing to take part in MESOMARK testing will be asked to provide one or more samples of blood. The blood samples will then be sent to a national reference laboratory for testing. In conjunction with other clinical and laboratory data obtained by your doctor, decisions regarding your treatment and care may be simplified. You may discontinue testing at any time.

The costs associated with the MESOMARK blood test may not be covered under health insurance, therefore, you may be required to pay all or part of the costs out of pocket. It is recommended that you check with your insurance carrier to determine whether coverage is available under your policy.

SURGERY

Diagnostic Procedures

As previously mentioned in the "Symptoms" section of this website, a diagnosis of mesothelioma from fluid is many times inconclusive. Given this fact, diagnostic surgery becomes a necessary next step in confirming and staging mesothelioma.

Thoracoscopy enables a physician to evaluate the pleural cavity and to conduct multiple tissue biopsies under direct vision. In up to 98% of cases, a definitive diagnosis can be obtained. Often, chemical pleurodesis aimed at relieving the accumulation of fluid in the intrapleural space, can be accomplished during the same procedure. It is also possible to gauge the extent of the tumor, and make a determination of surgical resectability. While less invasive than an open biopsy, it can only be performed on patients where tumor has not obliterated the pleural space.

VATS, or video-assisted thoracic surgery is an alternative to thoracoscopy, although because of its more invasive nature, concerns of tumor seeding increase. By utilizing small incisions, the physician can view the pleural space with the assistance of a camera, and obtain sufficient tissue samples for analysis by a pathologist. Extent of the tumor (i.e., pleural involvement, chest wall invasion) may also determined, and recommendation as to the type of debulking procedure necessary can be made at this time.

Mediastinoscopy is sometimes used as an aid in staging extent of disease when enlarged nodes are seen using imaging techniques.

Laproscopy is used in mesothelioma patients in cases where imaging techniques suggest possible invasion of the tumor through the diaphragm. This information can be important in evaluating a patient for potential pleurectomy or extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Palliative Procedures

Palliative surgical procedures are those which treat a symptom of mesothelioma, without aggressively treating the disease itself.

Chest Tube Drainage and Pleurodesis is considered the most common of palliative treatments. Fluid build-up, or pleural effusion, is most often the first symptom which will prompt mesothelioma patients to seek medical attention. Once this effusion has occurred, it is many times persistent, returning rapidly after initial thoracentesis (draining of the fluid). In order to eliminate this problem, the pleural space must be closed. This is accomplished by use of a talc slurry or other sclerosing agent which produces an adhesion.

Thoracoscopy and Pleurodesis is done in conjunction with VATS using a powdered form of talc versus talc slurry. Both this and chest tube drainage and pleurodesis will be only effective if there is no tumor encasing the lung which restricts its expansion.

Pleuroperitoneal Shunt plays a limited role in palliation for several reasons. It involves placement of a catheter run under the skin from the pleural to the peritoneal cavity. Obstruction of the catheter and possible seeding of the tumor into the abdominal cavity may be concerns.

Pleurectomy, used as a palliative procedure, may be performed where more extensive surgery is not an option. In these cases, it is understood that all visible or gross tumor will not be removed. It is considered the most effective means of controlling pleural effusion in cases where the lung's expansion is restricted by disease.

Potentially Curative Procedures

These procedures are performed with "curative intent". Their goal is removal of all gross disease, with the knowledge that microscopic disease will most likely remain. Adjuvant therapy (another form of treatment in addition to the primary therapy) is typically aimed at eliminating residual disease.
For Pleural Mesothelioma:

* Pleurectomy/Decortication is usually performed on patients with early stage disease (Stage I and selected Stage II), and attempts to remove all gross tumor. If it is found that all tumor can not be removed without removing the lung, this may be done at the same time and is called pneumonectomy.

* Extrapleural Pneumonectomy is considerably more radical than other surgical approaches, and should be carried out by surgeons with great expertise in evaluating patients and performing the procedure itself. (See Finding Specialists.) Because in the past surgery alone has failed to effect a cure, or even to help prolong life for any extended period of time, it is currently being combined with traditional chemotherapy and/or radiation, or other new approaches such as gene therapy, immunotherapy or photodynamic therapy.

General Patient Selection Criteria for Extrapleural Pneumonectomy

Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a serious operation, and doctors experienced in this procedure choose their patients carefully. It is up to each individual surgeon to advise the patient on its feasibility and to conduct whatever tests he/she feel are necessary to optimize the patient=s chances for survival and recovery. Following is a general list of patient selection criteria. This list may not be all inclusive, and may vary according to the preference of the surgeon.
o Karnofsky Performance Status score of >70. This score relates to what symptoms of disease the patient may be experiencing and how well they are able to conduct their daily activities. Some surgeons may require a higher performance status than others.
o Adequate renal (kidney) and liver function tests; no significant kidney or liver disease.
o Normal cardiac function per electrocardiogram and echocardiography.
o Adequate pulmonary function to tolerate the surgery.
o Disease limited to the ipsilateral hemithorax (the same side of the chest in which the mesothelioma is located) with no penetration of the diaphragm, extension to the heart or extensive involvement of the chest wall.
o Age of the patient is taken into consideration, but may not be as important as their overall status.

Surgeries of this nature should always be done with a complete understanding of the possible benefits and risks involved. If you are considering surgery as a treatment option, speak openly with your doctor about your concerns, and be sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction.

For Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

* Cytoreductive Surgery is aimed at removing all or nearly all of the gross or visible tumor in the peritoneal cavity. In order to treat any remaining cancer cells, Intra-Peritoneal Hyperthermic (heated) Chemotherapy (IPHC) is then delivered to the abdominal cavity. The type of chemotherapy drug used may vary according to the physician’s preference. Click here for more on treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma.

CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy is defined as the treatment of cancer using chemical substances. When cancer occurs, abnormal cells continue to divide uncontrolled. Anticancer, or chemotherapy drugs, work to destroy cancer cells by preventing them from multiplying. Read more on types of chemotherapy medicines.

Purposes of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used to achieve different goals, depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis and the age and health of the patient. Since chemotherapy for mesothelioma is not considered "curative", the goal is:

* To control the cancer by stopping its spread or slowing its growth.
* To shrink tumors prior to other treatments, such as surgery. This is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
* To destroy microscopic disease which may remain after surgery. This is called adjuvant chemotherapy.
* To relieve symptoms, such as pain. This is called palliative chemotherapy, and is given in cases when a drastic reduction in the tumor is not expected.

The most common use for chemotherapy in mesothelioma patients, is as an option for those who are not surgical candidates, however, various cancer centers are now conducting trials using the neoadjuvant approach. Alimta (pemetrexed) is a new drug recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with Cisplatin in the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma whose disease is either unresectable or who are not candidates for curative surgery. Alimta is the first drug approval specific to mesothelioma.

The Alimta/Cisplatin chemotherapy regimen is the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment specifically for malignant pleural mesothelioma. This is currently considered the most effective first-line treatment for mesothelioma patients who are not surgical candidates. A multi-targeted antifolate drug, Alimta works by blocking the enzymes necessary for DNA copying and cell division. During the clinical trial process, Alimta/Cisplatin improved median survival for pleural mesothelioma patients by approximately three months over treatment with Cisplatin as a single agent. Eli Lilly's information on treatment with Alimta.

As with any medical treatment, it is important to discuss the use of Alimta with your doctor. This conversation should include all pertinent information regarding effectiveness, administration and possible side effects of the drug combination. It is also important to begin vitamin supplementation of B12 by injection during the week prior to treatment (to be repeated every 9 weeks), and folic acid by mouth daily (to be continued until 21 days after the last cycle of Alimta). Additionally, you will be given an oral steroid medication to minimize the risk of skin rash or other possible side effects. Your doctor will have information on the correct dosages of each medication. Be sure to tell your doctor of any other medications you are taking (including non-prescription drugs) so he may be aware of any adverse interactions.

Alimta/Cisplatin is administered to patients on an outpatient basis every 21 days. This cycle of treatment involves a 10-minute IV infusion of Alimta followed by a 2 hour infusion of Cisplatin. How many cycles of treatment you receive will be dependent on your response rate to the drug (regression of the tumor or halt to progression of the disease) and the side effects you might experience.

Side effects of Alimta/Cisplatin are mild to moderate for most mesothelioma patients, i.e., nausea, vomiting and fatigue, and can usually be managed by your doctor. For some patients, however, side effects may be debilitating, and may require a decrease in dosage or removal from the program. All potential side effects should be mentioned to your doctor. Never assume any complaint is minor.

Administration of Chemotherapy

The most common way to administer chemotherapy is intravenously, or through a vein. A thin needle is inserted into a vein in the hand or in the lower arm. Intravenous administration of drugs allows for rapid entry into the blood stream. Drugs may also be delivered via catheters and/or ports.

* Catheters are soft, thin, flexible tubes placed into a large vein in the body. They remain in place for as long as they are needed.
* The catheter may sometimes be attached to a port, a small round plastic or metal disc placed under the skin on the chest. Ports also remain in place for as long as necessary.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy may also be delivered through a catheter or a port. The catheter is inserted through the abdominal wall. Chemotherapy drugs can then be infused directly into the abdominal cavity. Ports may also be placed under the skin of the abdominal wall and the catheter tunneled between the skin and muscle into the peritoneum.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells, but some normal cells also multiply quickly, particularly those in the digestive tract, reproduction system, and hair follicles. It is the damage done to normal cells that causes side effects. The type of side effects you might experience and how severe they are, depend on the type of chemotherapy you are receiving, the dosage given and how your own body reacts. Before beginning any chemotherapy treatment, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Before signing the form, be sure your doctor informs you of all the facts regarding the treatment he/she will be administering, including information about the particular drug or combination of drugs to be used, the possible risks or side effects, the number of treatments you will receive and how often, and whether it will be given during a hospital stay or on an outpatient basis. More on anti-nausea treatment for chemotherapy patients.

Note to Patients:

Chemotherapy treatment should be a cooperative effort between you and your doctor. The interaction that takes place is important to your health. It will not only help you feel better, but will also address any potential problems with miscommunication.

1. It is necessary for your doctor to be aware of any side effects which may result from your chemotherapy treatment.
These may include:
* Fever of, or greater than 101 degrees
* Nausea or vomiting
* Diarrhea or constipation
* Fatigue
* Tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes
* Ringing in the ears
* Bruises or rashes
* Sores in the mouth or throat

2. Taking other medication of any kind can alter the effects of chemotherapy or cause undesirable interactions.
Be sure you report all over-the-counter and prescribed medicines to your doctor. Don’t take aspirin unless it has been approved by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if aspirin is contained in any drugs you plan to purchase.

3. Take extra care with your daily health.
Try to maintain a stable weight by eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids. If your stomach is upset, ask your doctor for helpful hints or work with a nutritionist who can tailor a program to your needs. Brush your teeth after every meal, or if you can’t brush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Stay away from people who have colds or the flu. Chemotherapy can compromise your immune system and lower your resistance to germs. Make sure you keep appointments for blood work – these tests help your doctor monitor your health.

4. Be open about your feelings regarding your treatment.
It is normal to feel sad, angry or afraid, however, letting these emotions get out of control can be detrimental to your overall well-being. Seek out the help of family, friends, your doctor, a counselor or a support group.

RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, treats cancer by using penetrating beams of high energy or streams of particles called radiation. In treating mesothelioma, radiation may be used aggressively in combination with surgery, or palliatively to control symptoms.

In an aggressive combined modality approach, radiation is used to attack microscopic or residual disease remaining in the chest cavity after extrapleural pnuemonectomy. An example of this is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which uses x-rays of varying intensities in conjunction with computer generated images to deliver targeted radiation directly to cancer cells while reducing the amount of radiation to surrounding healthy tissue. More on Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).

Used palliatively, radiation can help control metastases (spread) of the tumor along tracks left by invasive procedures such as thoracoscopy, needle biopsy and chest tube drainage, or to control disease symptoms, such as pain or shortness of breath.

An exciting new development in radiation oncology is tomotherapy. A brief description of steps in the helical tomotherapy process.

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Exam Results Successful Examinees - 2007 Licensure Examination for Teachers

2007-10-26T07:47:00.002-07:00

Exam Results
Successful Examinees - 2007 Licensure Examination for Teachers

• ELEMENTARY LEVEL (A - D)

• ELEMENTARY LEVEL (E - M)

• ELEMENTARY LEVEL (N - Z)

• SECONDARY LEVEL (A - D)

• SECONDARY LEVEL (E - N)

• SECONDARY LEVEL (O - Z)

Top 10 highest places:

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

1.Angelo Aniag Unay (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Macy Marie Mendoza Valdez (Philiipine Normal University Manila)

2.Mark Gleen Ocasla Cidro (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Ma. Luisa Odi Marcelo (Philippine Normal University-Manila)

3.Gerry Cabrera Areta (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Babylen Abaja Arit (Philippine Normal University-Lopez, Quezon) Grace Ann Sauquillo Estores (Philippine Normal University-Manila)

4.Candy Pearl Nacario Cabag (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Pinky Laser Escalona Ilaga (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Jenny Carlos Paguyo (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Joseph Randolph Pino Palattao (Philippine Normal University-Manila)

5.Jonalee Cataquiz Bandoquillo (University of the Philippines - Diliman) Ruby Rose Rodriguez Briones (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Maria Ursula Gabon Caturan (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Hernilyn Veric Pelarco (Mindanao State University-Gen. Santos City) Raychel Hipolito Punsalan (Assumption College-Makati)

6.Nenita Balando Cabidog (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Phoebe Cesar Ocampo (University of Mindanao-Davao City) Ma. Lovena Veladiez Moneva (University of the Philippines- Diliman)

7.Janess Marie Caberte Encarnado (Holy Name University (Divine Word Tagbilaran) Kristine Frances Alcantara Muni (Universidad de Santa Isabel) Vannie Jill Estrella Samonte (Bicol University-Legazpi)

8.Nowell Santos Torres (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Nympha Dumaya Villanueva (Philippine Normal Univesity-Isabela)

9.Glyna Jamila Acenas (Andres Bonifacio College) Rhodaline Fajardo Escala (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Anita Cua Lim (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Hannah Mia Abrenica Navidad (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Alberto Urmeneta Rañin (Leyte Normal University) Louwell Ted Jayson Sevilla (University of Southeastern Philippines-Davao City)

10.Shiela Marie Perandos Castro (University of the Philippines -Diliman) Anna Renissa Sta Tersa Cuneta (Assumption College-Makati) Arthur Ronald Juinio Dayrit (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Christyn Amargo Escurzon (University of Mindanao-Davao City) Grizchelle Villanueva Odtuhan (Philippine Normal University-Manila)

SECONDARY LEVEL

1.Joel Lising Adamos (University of Santo Tomas) Manuel Tablante Eusebio (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Aaron Dalisay Galamgam (University of the Philippines-Diliman)

2.Virgo Mamaclay Gulan (Philippine Normal University-Isabela) Melissa Elinore Manuel Wang (Ateneo de Manila University -QC)

3.Sherwin Barrete Iñigo (Mindanao State University-Marawi City) Missy Dazzle Molinyawe Olea (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Blessilda Perez Rapoza (Philippine Normal University-Manila)

4.Eisha Vienna Maliksi Fernandez (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Julius Abel Bicos Galpao (Centro Escolar Unversity-Manila)

5.Rommel Ambal Ramos (University of Batangas)

6.Jorge JR Salvador Baclor (Philippine Normal University-Manila) Tom Ng Chu (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Celina Punzalan Sarmiento (Philippine Normal University-Manila)

7.Nestor Gonzales Acala (Mindanao State University-Marawi City) Ferdinand Licup Aguila (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Rachel Edita Oñate Roxas (University of the Philippines-Los Baños) Mona Lisa Pardilla Siacor (Central Philippine University)

8.Gissella Bahoyo Lebron (De La Salle University-Manila) Helma Yusa Mesa (University of the Philippines-Diliman)

9.Agripina Lagasca Arboleda (Saint Louis University) Oliver Garejo Daitol (University of the East-Caloocan) Angeli Soledad Roque Echiverri (University of the Philippines-Diliman) Angelita Profeta Radiel (University of the Philippines-Los Baños)

10.Krystal Dianne Masangkay Dolarte (Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa) Glaiza David Tarine (Holy Angel University)

Asbestos Removal

2007-10-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

By the time the EPA and OSHA began issuing dire warnings about the use of asbestos in the 1970s, millions of individuals worldwide had been working in buildings containing asbestos materials for decades. With the issuance of the warnings and the eventual ban, health officials began thinking about the best way to end daily exposure to asbestos, with the hopes of saving many lives in the years to come.

Asbestos RemovalSince the time the warnings were issued, there have been a number of schools of thought when it comes to eliminating asbestos from factories, commercial buildings, shipyards, schools, and homes. In the early years, widespread panic prompted the thought that complete removal was the only way to go while others maintained the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” attitude. Because asbestos doesn’t present a problem unless it is compromised and fibers become airborne, many inspectors and other officials correctly maintained that if the material was intact and in good condition, there was no need to remove it.

Indeed, there are really four options when it comes to controlling asbestos exposure in a building where it could potentially affect the health of those who work, play, study, or live there.

* Remove – if the surface of the asbestos is crumbling or damaged, or is likely to be damaged in the future, it is best to remove it. If a building which contains asbestos is scheduled for demolition, proper removal is essential before the wrecking ball moves in.
* Deep-seal – if the asbestos is in good condition and isn’t likely to be damaged or disturbed due to construction, etc., many choose to encapsulate or “deep-seal” it.
* Enclose – enclose the area affected by asbestos with new construction so that no one can enter and the asbestos is not disturbed.
* Label and Monitor - if the asbestos is in good condition and unlikely to be damaged, label it, leave it “as is”, and monitor its condition regularly.

While all these may appear to be suitable solutions to a serious challenge, problems arise when asbestos is not treated properly, especially during the removal procedure. Often, removal is NOT the best option, but if it is, it must be accomplished by a licensed asbestos-removal company and according to OSHA procedures. Asbestos removal does indeed tend to elevate levels of airborne fibers, thus putting those in the building at higher risk.

Unscrupulous owners may attempt to “cut corners”, hiring a company that does not possess the proper credentials and, therefore, saving money. If you’re in a building where asbestos is being removed, be sure that the area is enclosed with sheets of plastic, that all materials removed are disposed of properly, and that air quality is constantly monitored during removal. If you suspect that things are being done improperly, leave the building immediately.

If you work in a building where the owners have chosen to “wait and see”, you’ll also want to be sure that a proper monitoring system is in place to assure continued safety. Asbestos should never be totally ignored, even after it’s recognized and labeled, especially if it’s at risk of becoming damaged for one reason or another.

Deciding whether or not to remove asbestos is a major financial concern for building and/or company owners. Hasty removal or improper monitoring should always be a concern for those who may be potentially exposed to airborne asbestos. To learn more about the particulars of asbestos removal and non-removal, sign up for our free information packet.

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Asbestos Legislation

2007-10-25T09:52:00.002-07:00

Asbestos legislation has long been a volatile issue, in and out of the courtroom. Many companies and individuals have a stake in swinging the pendulum one way or the other. The utmost concern, of course, is for the true victims of asbestos-related Mesothelioma and many senators, congressmen, and other government officials have gone to bat for those who’ve become sick or died from asbestos inhalation, hoping to be sure that their medical expenses can be met and that their surviving families will not be left unable to cope financially.

Asbestos legislation began in the 1970s, and since that time, more and more bills have been either passed or proposed in order to assist Mesothelioma victims. Others have been proposed in favor of the asbestos companies. Some highlights are listed below.

1970s – During this decade, Congress first became aware of asbestos-related injuries and diseases.

1977 to 1981 – The first bills to offer compensation for victims of asbestos-related diseases appeared on the Congressional docket. These were meant to create funds for victims, and required contributions from both asbestos and tobacco companies. Bills regarding guidelines for workers’ compensation for asbestos-related disabilities were also introduced at this time.

Mid 1980s – Both the Asbestos Workers Recovery Act and the Occupational Disease Compensation Act were introduced. For the former, compensation was based on injuries that cause disability and excluded unimpaired non-malignant cases. The latter bill federalized state workers’ compensation for occupational diseases.

1999 – The Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act was introduced. It would create a formal procedure for federal asbestos cases and would establish the Office of Asbestos Compensation and form an Asbestos Compensation Fund. A decision to pass was tabled.

2000 – A bill is introduced to amend the IRS code of 1986 to provide relief for payment of asbestos-related claims.

2003 – The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act is passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Without making use of taxpayer dollars, the federal government would “establish a national trust fund privately financed by asbestos defendant companies and insurers.”

2005 – The Senate Judiciary Committee approves the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Act of 2005 which would require asbestos companies to pay into a fund with which victims would be compensated. The act would potentially block lawsuits. This bill is still being debated.

Asbestos legislation is a long and complicated process and one that is confusing to most laypersons. In order to learn more about your legal rights as a victim of malignant mesothelioma, it is often wise to consult an attorney who’s experienced in the rights of asbestos-related cancer victims. He or she can properly review your case and access your possibilities for compensation.

For more information about asbestos legislation and the legal rights that accompany your Mesothelioma diagnosis, send for our free Mesothelioma Resource Kit.

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Asbestos in the Workplace

2007-10-25T09:52:00.001-07:00

Though the use of asbestos was banned nearly three decades ago, many are still suffering the residual affects of exposure, including the development of such diseases as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Millions of workers worldwide were, at one time, exposed to asbestos for prolonged periods of time, even though many employers had suspected for decades that such exposure was dangerous.

Some workplaces were virtual breeding grounds for airborne asbestos fibers and employers didn’t always take proper precautions to protect workers from inhaling these fibers. Decades later, workers in these industries are paying with their health and with their lives. Industries that are at highest risk for asbestos exposure are as follows:

* Asbestos product manufacturers – these include factories that produced building materials, insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, roofing, fiber cloth, tape, rope, and yarn.
* Automotive repair – mechanics were often exposed to the asbestos used in brakes and clutch linings. Some old cars still contain such parts.
* Contractors or construction workers – those who were employed building factories, schools, offices, or even homes probably handled materials such as those mentioned above. (see asbestos product manufacturers) Materials that were compromised in some way during construction most likely emitted airborne fibers.
* Firefighters – when an old building or factory containing asbestos collapses due to fire, firefighters may be exposed to airborne fibers.
* Oil refineries – many products used in oil refineries contain asbestos and the rate of pleural Mesothelioma among refinery workers is higher than the norm.
* Power plants – many pieces of equipment in power plants contain asbestos, including boilers, turbines, and generators, lined with asbestos for protection from heat and fire.
* Railroads – steam locomotives, and later diesel trains, made use of asbestos as a fire retardant; first in boilers, fireboxes, and steam pipes and later in rope, cement, gaskets, and heavy duty tiles for passenger cars. Railroad brakes and clutches, like automobiles, were lined with asbestos.
* Shipyards – shipyard workers, particularly those who were employed during World War II when asbestos use was at its heaviest, have an extremely high rate of Mesothelioma. At one point during the war, more than 4 million Americans worked in the nation’s shipyards. Asbestos was used to insulate incinerators, boilers, steam pipes, hot water pipes, and many other ship components. Those who overhauled old ships were especially exposed as parts containing asbestos were torn out and replaced. It is also believed that longshoremen probably handled asbestos-laden materials as they loaded ships.
* Mines – those who’ve worked in talc or vermiculite mines have probably been exposed to asbestos dust, contained in both of those minerals.
* Steel Mills – thermal insulation materials used in steel mills may contain asbestos.

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The History of Asbestos

2007-10-25T09:51:00.001-07:00

Asbestos is not a miracle of modern times but rather a mineral that has been in use for centuries and has long been recognized for its useful properties, such as the ability to resist heat and provide insulation.

In fact, the word “asbestos” dates back to ancient Greece and is thought to have derived from a Greek word meaning indestructible or inextinguishable. The first asbestos quarry was believed to have been located on the Greek isle of Evvoia as early as the first century A.D.

Written information documents the use of asbestos as early as during the years of the Roman Empire, though many experts indicate that it may have been used long before that - perhaps as early as 3000 BC - as is evidenced by archaeological digs in areas of Scandinavia where asbestos was found in pottery and similar objects.

Early society found many uses for asbestos, thanks to what they often referred to as its “miraculous” qualities. Building materials usually contained asbestos as did cloth and women’s clothing. There is documentation that Romans used tablecloths made of asbestos in their restaurants and homes, due to the fact that they could be thrown into the fire in order to remove food and other crumbs or debris that may have adhered to the cloth. When they were removed, of course, the tablecloths were unscathed and rumored to be whiter than ever!

History shows that the ancient Egyptians embalmed their pharaohs with asbestos and other civilizations wrapped or “mummified” their dead in materials that contained this substance. Later, it was used to insulate suits of armor. At one point, asbestos was made into crosses and due to its weathered, wood-like appearance, many deceived the public by stating that the crosses were made from the wood of the cross on which Christ was crucified.

The Industrial Revolution brought about even more widespread use of asbestos. In the late 1800s, in the early years of commercial asbestos mines, the U.S. found that the mineral was perfect for insulating pipes, boilers, and fireboxes in steam locomotives, a burgeoning mode of transportation in North America. Refrigeration units, boxcars, and cabooses were also lined with asbestos insulation and the use of the material continued even after diesel railroads were introduced.

Trains weren’t the only form of transportation that made use of this incredible insulating material. Shipyards were full of asbestos and shipbuilders used the mineral to insulate steam pipes, boilers, hot water pipes, and incinerators, not unlike the railroad industry. Many who built ships, especially during World War II, were exposed to this dangerous material.

The automotive industry made extensive use of asbestos as well. Clutch and brake linings usually contained asbestos and many cars on the road today still contain parts made with this dangerous substance.

The industry that boasted the most widespread use of asbestos was, by far, the building and construction industry. Its insulating and flame-retardant properties made asbestos the perfect material for keeping buildings warm and safe. Not only was asbestos used for insulation in walls but also in such materials as siding, floor and ceiling tiles, roofing tars and shingles, cement pipes, gutters and rainwater pipes, mud and texture coats like stucco, plaster, putty, caulk, and even stage curtains in theaters and schools.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that, in all, as many as 3,000 products may, at one time or another, have contained asbestos, including a number of household items that would otherwise seem innocuous, such as hand-held hairdryers, coffee pots, toasters, irons, ironing board covers, electric blankets, and burner pads.

Because asbestos is often found in mined talc and vermiculite, products containing those two substances may contain asbestos as well. Talc-containing products might include cosmetics, baby powder, and feminine hygiene products. Trace amounts of asbestos have also been found in fertilizers, pesticides, potting mixes, and composts, which often employ the use of vermiculite, due to its drainage and aeration properties.

Sadly, the recognition of the dangerous properties of asbestos goes back to the Roman Empire when concerned citizens and doctors noticed that those who worked in asbestos mines were dying very early or becoming quite ill with lung-related diseases. Records show that by the turn of the 20th century, insurance companies were already charging higher premiums or refusing coverage to those who had jobs that exposed them to asbestos.

It wasn’t until the 1970s, unfortunately, that government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began to regulate asbestos and its uses. By that time, many had been exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products for a vast number of years.

Did you or a loved one work in an industry that used products or processes that involved asbestos? Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like Mesothelioma? If so, perhaps we can help. Be sure to sign up for your free packet of information at this site to learn more about the history of asbestos and those industries that put workers at high risk for asbestos-related illnesses.

Source

Asbestos Industry and the Cover-up

2007-10-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

The dangers of asbestos were recognized and documented long before the Environmental Protection Agency stepped in the 1970s to ban the use of the material in the United States. In Roman times, historian Pliny the Elder and geographer Strabo pointed out that workers exposed to asbestos were often ill and were dying at a very young age. They even went as far as to recommend that no one purchase slaves who had previously worked in the asbestos quarries.

Asbestos DangersBy the late 1800s, as more and more individuals began working in factories, physicians began attributing pulmonary problems to the inhalation of asbestos dust, and by 1906, the first documented case of asbestos-related death was reported. Because such disease and its accompanying symptoms often did not develop until approximately 10-40 years after exposure, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that many cases came to light. By 1928, the name Asbestosis became the tag for lung diseases thought to be caused by asbestos inhalation.

It was shortly after this that companies began to cover up the suspected effects of asbestos and the dangers of working with this material. Companies that produced asbestos or asbestos products began circulating “internal memos” as to suspicious worker fatalities and had private discussions about the medical reports that documented their employees’ asbestos-related deaths. Such information was concealed from other employees who may have been at risk.

By the mid-1930s, large corporations were settling lawsuits brought about by victims of Asbestosis by demanding that their lawyers never again participate in the bringing of new actions against them on behalf of other asbestos-related disease sufferers. Furthermore, it’s been documented that corporate officials in the 1930s and 1940s altered warnings that were issued by insurance companies to employees, downplaying the dangers of asbestos inhalation.

When major asbestos companies did agree to conduct health studies in regards to the effects of working with asbestos, they took it upon themselves to once again alter the results, erasing any information that related asbestos to serious pulmonary disease before these reports were released to their employees and/or the general public.

By this time, physicians began noticing that their asbestos-exposed patients had not only contracted asbestosis - characterized by such symptoms as difficulty breathing, an enlarged heart, and persistent dry cough – but many appeared to also be suffering from lung cancer. The “c” word further alarmed asbestos companies and an extensive cover-up became all the more important in preserving their profits.

Factory supervisors and others that attempted to expose risks or to implement safety precautions were usually stopped in their tracks. Finally, in 1964, those who had long touted the dangers of working with asbestos were backed by a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, penned by Dr. Irving Selikoff, stating that, among those who work with asbestos-containing materials, there was an abnormal incidence of asbestosis, lung cancer, and Mesothelioma. Still, asbestos company owners attempted to negate or alter the facts found in this article and other such reports.

At last, in 1971, the first OSHA asbestos-exposure standard was issued. By 1973, the EPA banned spray-on asbestos insulation, noting that it was an air pollution hazard. Towards the end of the 1970s, documentation began to surface which proved that many large corporations had suppressed information about the dangers of exposure to asbestos, hoping to avoid lawsuits by affected employees and/or their families.

In 1979, the U.S. EPA announced their intention to issue a ruling that banned all uses of asbestos. Many other countries followed suit within the next decade. Still, there are countries, many in South America, that have not yet banned the use of asbestos in construction and other products. Furthermore, the decades-long cover-up will long affect those who worked with asbestos prior to the 1980s.

Were you or someone you love the victim of the asbestos industry cover-up? Have your rights been compromised? To learn more about your options, sign up for our free information packet on asbestos and asbestos-related diseases. It’s never too late to learn more about this deadly material that has affected the lives of thousands upon thousands of hard-working individuals throughout the last century.

Source

Asbestos Types

2007-10-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Individuals who don’t know a lot about asbestos but have heard much about its many dangers may be surprised to learn that asbestos is a natural substance, found in various places on the planet, not a man-made substance developed for commercial use. Indeed, asbestos is mined in many countries throughout the world and was, at one time, widely used in many commercial products, usually for a number of reasons including its high resistance to heat and chemicals, its low electrical conductivity, and its strength and flexibility.

AsbestosThis natural material was first used in 1828 as a lining material for steam engines. For many years, vinyl-asbestos tiles were used for floor coverings and automobile clutch facings and brake linings also contained asbestos. Alarmingly, asbestos was even used in toothpaste, as artificial snow for Christmas trees, and as incision thread for surgery patients.

A total of six different types of asbestos are found in the earth and they’re categorized into two separate groups: 1) serpentine, with a layered form and curly fibers, and 2) amphibole, with straight fibers and a chain-like structure. The latter has been determined to be the most dangerous type of asbestos to which human beings can be exposed.

The serpentine group has just one member…Chrysotile. This is the most common type of asbestos, still found in buildings in nearly every developed country throughout the world. As a matter of fact, figures show that between 90% and 95% of all asbestos found in buildings and other commercial products that contain asbestos is of the Chrysotile variety. Furthermore, this is the only type which is still mined, primarily in Canada, Africa, and the former Soviet Republic. Because of its rampant use, Chrysotile accounts for most asbestos-related health problems.

Chrysotile is usually white or green in color and is most often used in insulation and fireproofing products. It can also be woven into asbestos tapes and clothes and is used in the manufacture of cement in the form of sheets, shingles, and pipes. This type of asbestos is also used in a number of friction materials, largely due to its high resistance to heat. These products include automobile brake shoes, disk pads, clutches and elevator brakes. In addition, roof sealants, textiles, plastics, rubbers, door seals for furnaces, high temperature caulking, paper, and components for the nuclear industry contain Chrysotile.

Five kinds of asbestos are members of the amphibole variety. Only two of them were consistently used in commercial applications – Amosite and Crocidolite. These two forms, possessing strong and stiff fibers, are highly dangerous when airborne fibers are inhaled or ingested.

The commercial production of Amosite, also known as “brown asbestos”, was halted within the last decade. Most often used as an insulating material, the use of Amosite has been banned in most countries for several decades. However, at one time, it was the second most-commonly used type of asbestos, accounting for about 5% of the asbestos used in factories and buildings and was sometimes included for anti-condensation and acoustical purposes.

Crocidolite is a rare form of asbestos, bluish in color, and is highly resistant to chemicals. It’s believed to be the most lethal form of asbestos and was often used as a reinforcement material for plastics. In the mid-twentieth century, Crocidolite was also used in pre-formed thermal insulation and, prior to that, some yarns and rope lagging contained this form of asbestos.

Though the use of most asbestos products has long been banned in most developed countries, many buildings may still contain some form of this dangerous mineral. To learn more about the various types of asbestos and their uses, be sure to sign up for a free information packet, available from this site.

Source

Mesothelioma Treatment | Other Sources

2007-10-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

American Cancer Society

The "Cancer Information" section includes practical information on psychosocial issues affecting cancer patients. Topics range from home health care to pain control to managing grief.

CancerNet

Information from the National Institute of Health's PDQ database covers many specific cancers, featuring overviews and treatment options.

Center for Disease Control & Prevention

This Web site offers visitors a comprehensive database of data and statistics.

Oncolink

Created and maintained by the University of Pennsylvania, Oncolink offers information about all aspects of cancer for patients and families, from specific types of cancer to ways of coping to the newest information on treatments.

Mesothelioma and Cancer Books

Amazon.com

We have compiled a selection of the top 11 ranking cancer books based on research done through the American Cancer Society, IntelliHealth.com, Johns Hopkins University, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

Source

Articles & Abstracts

2007-10-23T08:18:00.001-07:00

In an effort to answer the questions arising from having a diagnosis such as mesothelioma, this section provides abstracts and links to the most recent medical literature on mesothelioma. We are in the process of performing a systematic review of the literature between 1993 - 2004. We have excluded articles that were restricted to animal subjects and were not published in the English language. The criteria used in selecting studies were determined by an internal medicine epidemiologist. We will organize the articles according to their content in the categories described below.

Review Studies

These are articles reviewing the extensive literature on mesothelioma in an attempt to offer the most up-to-date answers on cause and diagnosis of mesothelioma and the most recent treatment options. While they are an excellent way to start an inquiry, they may not answer more specific questions, pertinent to the individual case.

Case Studies

A number of rare presentations of mesothelioma have been observed. Mesothelioma occurring in children, or mesothelioma affecting sites such as the heart, scrotum or the ovaries will be reviewed in case studies in this section. The rare issue of benign mesothelioma is also discussed.

Etiological Studies

This research attempts to define factors causing mesothelioma, such as most importantly, asbestos. They also analyze other environmental and occupational factors that affect the individual susceptibility for the development of mesothelioma.

Diagnostic studies

These articles may offer a comprehensive review of current diagnostic tools for mesothelioma, or they may analyze specific diagnostic approaches separately. They will also cover topics such as markers for the early recognition of the disease or its recurrence following therapy.

Therapy studies

This category will be the broadest, including articles describing new therapies for mesothelioma, comparing various types of therapies and discussing the outcomes following therapy. The most important aspects of the studies which will be highlighted in the commentary shall be: the type of patients analyzed, the form of therapy used and the outcome pursued by the investigators.

Source

Leading Physicians

2007-10-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Alabama
James W. Ballard, M.D.
Norwood Clinic
1528 No. 26th Street
Birmingham, AL 35283

California

Dr. Robert Cameron
P. O. Box 951741
Los Angeles, California 90095-1741
Phone: 310.794.7333
rcameron@mednet.ucla.edu

Dr. David Jablons
UCSF Mt. Zion Medical Center
2330 Post St., Suite 420
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 885-3882

Dr. Theirry Jahan
2356 Sutter, 7th FL
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 567-5581

Dr. Mark Lischner
2 Medical Plaza, Suite 100
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 786-7498

Connecticut

Mark Cullen, M.D.
Yale University School of Medicine
Occupational and Environmental
135 College Street, 3rd floor
New Haven, CT 06510-2483

Jack A. Elias, M.D.
Pulmonary Medicine
Yale Cancer Center

Michael Grey, M.D.
UConn Health Center
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06032

Bruce G. Haffty, M.D.
Therapeutic Radiology
Yale Cancer Center

Graeme L. Hammond, M.D.
Cardiothoracic Therapy
Yale Cancer Center

Michael Kashgarian, M.D.
Pathology
Yale Cancer Center

Ronald Ponn, M.D.
Thoracic Surgeon
333 Orchard St, Suite 107
New Haven, CT 06511

Carrie A. Redlich, M.D., M.P.H.
Occupational Medicine
Yale Cancer Center

Florida

Lary A. Robinson, M.D.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
At The University of South Florida
12902 Magnolia Dr.
Tampa, FL 33612

John Ruckdeschel, M.D.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, FL 33612-9497

Massachusetts

Richard Kraiden, M.D.
Pulmonary Pathologist
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA 02114

David Sugarbaker, M.D.
Dana Farber Cancer Institute & Brighams & Womens Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115

New York

Manjit Bains, M.D.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021

Philippe A. Chihanian, M.D.
Mt. Sinai Hospital
5 East 98 St.
New York, NY 10029
1-212-241-6368

David Ilson, M.D.
Borys Mychalczak, M.D.
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY

Dr. Valerie Rusch
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212.639.5873
ruschv@mskcc.org

Harvey Pass, M.D.
NYU Medical Center
School of Medicine
530 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-7300

Stephen Rush, M.D.
North Shore University Hospital
Manhasset, NY

Roman Perez-Soler, M.D.
Nw York University Kaplan Cancer Center
550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-8043
(212) 263-6485

Robert N. Taub, M.D.
Professor of Clinical Medicine, Program Director
Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital
Atchley Pavilion Room 907
161 Fort Washington Ave.
New York, NY

North Carolina

Dr. David H. Harpole, Jr.
Associate Professor of Surgery
Duke University Medical Center
DUMC Box 3617
3582 Duke Hospital South
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3683
harpo002@mc.duke.edu

Pennsylvania

Dr. Larry Kaiser
University of Pennsylvania
4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Phone: 215.662.7538;
Kaiser@mail.med.upenn.edu

Rhode Island

David Ettensohn, M.D.
Pulmonary Medicine
109 Beechwood Avenue
Pawtucket, RI

David Kern, M.D.
Memorial Hospital of RI
Occupational Health Clinic
111 Brewster Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860

John Pella, M.D.
St. Joseph Hospital
Pulmonary Fatima Unit
200 High Service Avenue
North Providence, RI 02904

S.T. Sambandan, M.D.
Oncologist
1180 Hope Street
Bristol, RI

Anthony Testa M.D.
Oncologist
100 Highland Avenue
Providence, RI 02904

South Carolina

James Bradof, M.D.

South Carolina

Tennessee

Spencer McCachren, M.D.
Thompson Cancer Center
Knoxville, TN
(423) 541-1812

Texas

Department Of Clinical Investigation
University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd, Box 39, Rm R7.2215
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: 713.792.7959

Washington

Dr. Eric Vallieres
Box 356310
1959 NE Pacific
Seattle, WA 98195-6310
Phone: 206.543.3093

Washington, D.C.

Cesar A. Moran, M.D.
Department of the Army
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Washington, DC 20306

Dr. Paul Sugarbaker
Sugarbaker Oncology Associates, P.C.
110 Irving St., NW
Washington, DC 20010
Phone: 202.877.3908

Wisconsin

Joan H. Schiller, M.D.
H. Ian Robins, M.D.
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin

Source

Cancer Centers

2007-10-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

National

National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
301-496-4000
800-4-CANCER
800-422-6237

Alabama

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Basic Health Sciences Building
1824 Sixth Avenue South
237 T.I.
Birmingham, AL 35294-3300
205-934-5077

Arizona

University of Arizona Cancer Center
1501 North Campbell Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85724
520-626-7383

California

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA
Box 951781
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1781
800-825-2631
310-825-5268

USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
1441 Eastlake Avenue MS #83
Los Angeles, CA 90033-0800
323-865-0816

City of Hope National Medical Center
Beckman Research Institute
1500 East Duarte Road
East Duarte, CA 91010-3000
626-359-8111
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Salk Institute
Cancer Center
10010 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
619-453-4100 x1386
Cancer Center

The Burnham Institute
10901 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
619-455-6480 x3209
Cancer Center

University of California at Irvine
Cancer Center
Building #23 4th Floor
101 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868
714-456-6310
Clinical Cancer Center

UCSF Stanford Health Care
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
650-723-4000

University of California at San
Diego Cancer Center
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0658
619-534-7600
Clinical Cancer Center

Colorado

University of Colorado Cancer Center
4200 East 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80262
Clinical Cancer Center

Connecticut

Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center
Yale University School of Medicine
333 Cedar Street
New Haven, CT 06520-8028
203-785-4095

Florida

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Miami Medical School
1475 Northwest 12th Avenue, Room 4023
Miami, FL 33136

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612-9497
813-979-3050

Hawaii

Cancer Research Center of Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
1236 Lauhala Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-3013
Clinical Cancer Center

Illinois

Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
303 East Chicago Avenue
Olson Pavilion, Room 8250
Chicago, IL 60611
312-908-5250
Clinical Cancer Center

University of Chicago Cancer
Research Center
5841 South Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Clinical Cancer Center

Indiana

Purdue University Cancer Center
Hansen Life Sciences Research Building
South University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1524
765-494-9129 Cancer Center

Maine

The Jackson Laboratory
600 Main Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0800
207-288-6041
Cancer Center

Maryland

The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center
600 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21287-8943
410-955-8822

Massachusetts

Center for Cancer Research
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room E17-110
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
617-253-6422
Cancer Center

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Boston, MA 02115
617-632-3000

Michigan

University of Michigan
Comprehensive Cancer Center
102 Observatory
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0724
313-936-1831

Barbara Ann Karmanos
Cancer Institute
110 East Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
1-800-KARMANOS

Minnesota

University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
Box 806, 420 Delaware Street, S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-8484
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mayo Cancer Center
Mayo Foundation
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
507-284-3753
Clinical Cancer Center

Nebraska

University of Nebraska Medical Center
Eppley Cancer Center
600 South 42nd Street
Omaha, NE
402-559-7081
Cancer Center

New Hampshire

Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Dartmouth-Hitchock Medical Center
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03756-0001
603-650-6300

New Jersey

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
195 Little Albany Street, Room 2002B
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
732-235-8064
Clinical Cancer Center

New York

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Cancer Research Center
Chanin Building
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461
718-430-2302
Cancer Center

American Health Foundation
320 East 43rd Street
New York, NY 10017
212-953-1900
Cancer Center

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
P.O. Box 100
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
516-367-8383
Cancer Center

Herbert Irving
Comprehensive Cancer Center
College of Physicians and Surgeons
701 West 168th Street, Room 1509
New York, NY 10032
212-305-6921

Kaplan Cancer Center
New York University Medical Center
550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-263-5349
Clinical Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
800-525-2225
212-639-6561

Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263-0001
213-845-5770
800-767-9355

University of Rochester Cancer Center
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642
716-275-6292
Clinical Cancer Center

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Cancer Research Center
Chanin Building
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461
718-430-2302

North Carolina

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive
Cancer Center
University of North Carolina
School of Medicine Chapel Hill
CB#7295
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295
919-966-3036

Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duke University Medical Center
Box 3843
Durham, NC 27710
919-684-5613

Comprehensive Cancer Center of
Wake Forest University at Bowman
Gray School of Medicine
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
336-716-7971

Ohio

Ohio State University
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital
300 West 10th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
614-293-4878

Case Western Reserve University
Cancer Research Center
11100 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Oregon

Oregon Cancer Center
Oregon Health Sciences University
3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, L609
Portland, OR 97201-3098
503-464-1617
Clinical Cancer Center

Pennsylvania

Fox Chase Cancer Center
7701 Burholme Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
215-728-3600

Wistar Institute Cancer Center
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4268
215-898-3926
Cancer Center

University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
16 Penn Tower
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-662-6334

University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
3471 5th Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2592
412-692-4670

Kimmel Cancer Center
233 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-4645
Clinical Cancer Center

Jefferson Cancer Center
Thomas Jefferson University
233 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-4645

Tennessee

Vanderbilt Cancer Center
Vanderbilt University
649 Medical Research Building II
Nashville, TN 37232
800-811-8480
615-936-5847
Clinical Cancer Center

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
332 North Lauderdale Street
Memphis, TN 38105
901-495-3300
Clinical Cancer Center

Texas

The University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcolmbe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030
713-792-7500

San Antonio Cancer Institute
8122 Datapoint Drive, Suite 600
San Antonio, TX 78229
210-616-5580

Utah

Huntsman Cancer Institute
University of Utah Health
Sciences Center
15 North 2030 East, Room 2100
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-581-4048
801-581-4330
Clinical Cancer Center

Vermont

Vermont Regional Cancer Center
University of Vermont
Medical Alumni Building
Burlington, VT 05405-0068
802-656-4414

Virginia

Cancer Center
University of Virginia Health
Sciences Center
Box 334
Charlottesville, VA 22908
804-924-2562
Clinical Cancer Center

Massey Cancer Center
Medical College of Virginia
401 College Street
Richmond, VA 23298
804-828-0450
Clinical Cancer Center

Washington

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1100 Fairview Avenue
P.O. Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
206-667-5000

University of Washington
Academic Medical Center
Seattle, WA

Washington, D.C.

Lombardi Cancer Research Center
Georgetown University Medical Center
3800 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-687-2110

Wisconsin

McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research
University of Wisconsin
1400 University Avenue, Room 1009
Madison, WI 53706-1599
608-262-2177
Cancer Center

University of Wisconsin
Comprehensive Cancer Center
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792-0001
608-263-8600

Source

Ask Your Doctor

2007-10-23T08:08:00.001-07:00

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a life changing event. Patients are suddenly faced with trying to understand a disease that they may have never heard of before as well as how far it has progressed, available treatment options and overall prognosis. As you move through the process of diagnosis and treatment it is important to ensure that you maintain clear communication channels with your health care team. To assist you in planning for this important communication with your doctors we have provided a framework below to help you get the information that you will find most helpful at the start of care. Remember - every question is important! Here are some questions that you might want to ask your doctor:

* What type of mesothelioma have I been diagnosed with?
* Is the cancer localized or has it spread to other organs in the body
* Have you identified what stage my cancer has progressed to? What does that mean for me?
* Is there a treatment protocol that you can recommend?
* How effective do you believe the treatment will be?
* Are there any risks or side effects associated with these treatment options? If so, how severe are they?
* Given your findings to date what do you believe my prognosis to be?
* If you believe my cancer is curable, is there a chance that it will come back? What kind of recovery times can I expect?
* Are there any clinical trials available for me to participate in given my diagnosis?
* How can I go about seeking a second opinion?
* How can I begin preparing now for any recommended treatment options?

Asking these questions will provide you with a good start to developing open communications with your provider. It is entirely probable, however, that you will have additional questions of your own. Please think about these in advance and write them down before you get to the doctors office. We hope that you find this framework useful in establishing a good rapport with your cancer care team.

Source

Treatment by Stage

2007-10-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

The treatment protocol for mesothelioma differs based on the stage that a patient has progressed to at the time of diagnosis. Provided below is an example of the types of treatment that a pleural mesothelioma patient will undergo at various stages of the disease. We have identified the stages using the Butchart staging system.
Stage I Mesothelioma Treatment

Surgical intervention is most commonly recommended for pleural mesothelioma patients having a Stage I diagnosis. The procedures that are likely to be performed are pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy. Post surgery, doctors may further evaluate the patient to determine if chemotherapy or radiation treatment is necessary. It is often determined with stage I mesothelioma that those adjunct therapies are not required.
Stages II, III Mesothelioma Treatment

When mesothelioma has progressed to stages II and III the cancer cannot be cured. At these stages medical treatment focuses on alleviating the severity of the symptoms and keeping the patient as comfortable as possible in order to optimize quality of life. For example, if there is significant fluid build-up in the chest the doctor may order that it be drained. Additionally, there may be instances where removing some or all of the tumor and / or undergoing chemo or radiation treatments will provide symptom relief. Clinical trials at some of the larger cancer centers in the country may also offer different treatment options for patients in these stages.
Stage IV Mesothelioma Treatment

When a patient has been diagnosed with stage IV mesothelioma the prognosis is very unfavorable. At this stage, the cancer has usually metastasized throughout the body to other organs and as with stages II and III, cannot be cured. In this stage, symptoms generally increase in severity and pain management becomes the primary focus of the medical team. Therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation are typically not offered at this stage unless they are needed to support pain management objectives. Oftentimes families find that it is most helpful to seek out additional support through a local Hospice program. Hospice programs focus on providing patient care, developing a pain management protocol and providing support for both the patient and family members at this difficult time. Patients with stage IV mesothelioma may also be interested in participating in specialized clinical trials offered at leading cancer hospitals and centers and are encouraged to seek out those programs if desired.

Source

Clinical Trials

2007-10-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Studies of promising new or experimental treatments in patients are known as clinical trials. During a course of treatment for lung cancer, the doctor may suggest that a patient take part in a clinical trial of a new treatment. A clinical trial is only done when there is some reason to believe that the treatment being studied may be of value to the patient. Treatments used in clinical trials are often found to have real benefits.

There are three phases of clinical trials in which a treatment is studied before the treatment is eligible for approval by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

The purpose of a Phase I study is to find the best way to give a new treatment and how much of it can be given safely. Physicians watch patients carefully for any harmful side effects. The research treatment has been well tested in laboratory and animal studies, but the side effects in patients are not completely predictable.

Phase II trials determine the effectiveness of a research treatment after safety has been evaluated in a Phase I trial. Patients are closely observed for an anticancer effect by careful measurement of cancer sites present at the beginning of the trial. In addition to monitoring patients for response, any side effects are carefully recorded and assessed.

Phase III trials require entry of large numbers of patients; some trials enroll thousands of patients. One of the groups may receive standard (the most accepted) treatment, so the new treatments can be directly compared. The group that receives the standard treatment is called the "control group. " For example, one group of patients (the control group) may receive the standard chemotherapy for a certain type of cancer, while another patient group may receive another type of chemotherapy that may or may not contain an investigational drug to see if this improves survival. All patients in Phase III trials are monitored closely for side effects, and treatment is discontinued if the side effects are too severe.

Researchers conduct studies of new treatments to answer the following questions:

* Is the treatment likely to be helpful?
* Does this new type of treatment work?
* Does it work better than other treatments already available?
* What side effects does the treatment cause?
* Do the benefits outweigh the risks, including side effects?
* In which patients is the treatment most likely to be helpful?

However, there are some risks. No one involved in the study knows in advance whether the treatment will work or exactly what side effects will occur. That is what the study is designed to discover. While most side effects will disappear in time, some can be permanent or even life-threatening. Keep in mind, though, that even standard treatments have side effects. Depending on many factors, you may decide that a clinical trial may be beneficial in your case.

Enrollment in any clinical trial is completely up to you. Your doctors and nurses will explain the study to you in detail and will give you a form to read and sign indicating your desire to take part. This process is known as giving your informed consent. Even after signing the form and after the clinical trial begins, you are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason. Taking part in the study does not prevent you from getting other medical care you may need.

To find out more about clinical trials, ask your cancer care team. Among the questions you should ask are:

* What is the purpose of the study?
* What kinds of tests and treatments does the study involve?
* What does this treatment do?
* What is likely to happen to me with, or without, this new research treatment?
* What are my other choices and their advantages and disadvantages?
* How could the study affect my daily life?
* What side effects can I expect from the study? Can the side effects be controlled?
* Will I have to be hospitalized? If so, how often and for how long?
* Will the study cost me anything? Will any of the treatment be free?
* If I am harmed as a result of the research, what treatment would I be entitled to?
* What type of long-term follow-up care is part of the study?
* Has the treatment been used to treat other types of cancers?

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Experimental Therapies

2007-10-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Several forms of mesothelioma treatment such as the drug Alimta, gene therapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and multimodality therapy are still in their experimental stages. We invite you to read the following articles on experimental therapies for Malignant Mesothelioma.

Drug Therapy

Alimta, a new type of cancer treatment being developed by Eli Lilly, is the first treatment to significantly increase the length of survival and ameliorate the symptoms of the disease. The trial, one of the largest against the fatal disease, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists.

Gene Therapy

Many strategies of gene therapy are currently under study. Even though the results in animal experiments have been remarkable they have remained disappointing in humans. Other agents such as onconase, thalidomide, lovastatin have been used as single therapy or in combination with chemotherapy with various results.

Immunotherapy

This therapy involves the removal of patient cells, activation by exposure to cytokines and reinstillatin into the peritoneum, accompanied by additional chemotherapy. In the few cases tried this form of treatment lead to significant shrinkage of the tumor. However most patients had very early stages of disease, and general recommendations are therefore difficult to make, prior to further research.

Photodynamic Therapy

This therapy involves the use of a drug that makes the cancer cells sensitive to a particular wavelength of light. The drug is administered before the surgical procedure. The results have been disappointing, and no survival benefit has been shown in studies so far.

Multimodality Therapy

Doctors are always learning more about the best way to treat patients with mesotheliomas. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma are highly debated. Treatments which use some combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, called multimodality therapy, are now being studied and may provide the most promising option for some patients.

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Conventional Therapies

2007-10-23T08:00:00.002-07:00

Conventional mesothelioma therapies include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. You should keep in mind that if you choose one course of action for mesothelioma treatment, you may preclude other courses. All of your options should be considered as soon as possible.

Surgery

Depending on the stage of a mesothelioma, surgery may be used to remove the cancer and some of the surrounding tissue. Often, however, an operation is not appropriate and the patient may have only minimally invasive procedures to relieve symptoms. A thoracentesis, where fluid in the chest is removed by placing a needle into the chest cavity, may be done to make a patient more comfortable. Sometimes talc or an antibiotic may be injected into the chest cavity to try to prevent the fluid from returning. These techniques are successful in controlling the fluid, at least temporarily, in as many as 90% of patients. Because pleural fluid can compress the lung and cause shortness of breath, these procedures can help patients breathe more easily, however, they do not cure the cancer. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, a needle may be inserted into the abdomen to drain the fluid. Similarly, a needle inserted into the pericardium (sac around the heart) can drain pericardial fluid and help relieve circulatory problems. However, draining this fluid may result in complications. Sometimes the cancer cells spread along the needle path, and a tumor nodule may form under the skin of that area.

Surgery for mesothelioma may be performed for one of two reasons: for palliation (to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the tumor), or to cure. Palliative surgery is typically done in cases where the tumor has already spread beyond the mesothelium and is difficult to completely remove, or in cases where the patient is too ill to tolerate a more extensive operation. Curative surgery is offered when the patient is in otherwise good health and the tumor is thought to be localized and can be completely removed. Unfortunately, microscopic spread of cancer cells into the chest wall and diaphragm are common even when such spread cannot be detected by routine tests. Therefore, given the extent of these operations and their very limited success, the exact role of surgery in treating mesothelioma is often debated.

There are two types of operations that may be offered to patients with pleural mesothelioma: pleurectomy/decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy. Pleurectomy/decortication is usually a palliative (relieves symptoms without curing the cancer) operation in cases where the entire tumor cannot be removed. It involves removal of the pleura, where the majority of the tumor is located. It is effective in controlling effusions (fluid accumulation) and decreasing the pain caused by the cancer.

Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a far more extensive operation and most often used in cases of localized mesothelioma. The operation is technically difficult and performed only by surgeons in large specialized medical centers. It involves removing the pleura, diaphragm, pericardium, and the whole lung on the side of the tumor. The patient must be in overall good health with no other serious illnesses in order to tolerate the large operation. This operation is intended to remove all or most of the cancer and some surrounding tissues as well.

Surgical treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma is often performed either to help relieve symptoms or to attempt to remove the tumor from the wall of the abdomen and other digestive organs. As with pleural mesothelioma, these tumors are often too extensive to remove completely. Similar operations can be performed to remove a mesothelioma from the pericardium (the sac around the heart).

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. External beam radiation therapy uses radiation delivered from outside the body that is focused on the cancer. This type of radiation therapy is often used to treat mesothelioma. These treatments are much like getting a diagnostic x-ray except for a longer time. Brachytherapy involves radioactive material being placed directly into the chest or the abdomen at the site of the mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is sometimes used as the main treatment of mesothelioma in some patients, especially those whose general health is too poor to undergo surgery. Adjuvant radiation therapy can be used in addition to surgery to kill small deposits of cancer that cannot be seen and removed during surgery. Palliative radiation therapy can also be used to ease symptoms of mesothelioma such as shortness of breath, pain, bleeding, and difficulty swallowing.

Side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue and mild skin changes that resemble a sunburn. Often these side effects are temporary. Radiation may also make the side effects of chemotherapy worse. Chest radiation therapy may cause lung damage and lead to difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Abdominal radiation therapy may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you are having any of these side effects of radiation therapy, talk with your

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs for treating cancer. The drugs can be swallowed in pill form or they can be injected by a needle into a vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is systemic therapy. This means that the drug enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body (through the whole system) to reach and destroy the cancer cells.

In treating mesothelioma, these drugs may also be given intrapleurally (directly into the chest cavity), or intraperitoneally (into the abdominal cavity). Depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma, chemotherapy may be given as the primary (main) treatment or as an adjuvant (addition) to surgery.

Several anticancer drugs have been used to treat mesothelioma. The drug most effective when given alone is doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Other drugs that may be given alone include cisplatin and methotrexate. These anticancer drugs are often given in combination to try to increase their effectiveness. Combinations of drugs used in the treatment of mesothelioma include methotrexate and vincristine; cisplatin, vinblastine and mitomycin; cisplatin and doxorubicin; and doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (or ifosfamide) and cisplatin. Other drugs such as paclitaxel and irinotecan are currently being studied to determine their effectiveness in treating mesothelioma.

Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells but also damage some normal cells. Therefore, careful attention must be given to avoiding or minimizing side effects, which depend on the specific drugs, the amount taken, and the length of treatment. Temporary side effects might include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, and mouth sores. Because chemotherapy can damage the blood-producing cells of the bone marrow, patients may have low blood cell counts. This can result in an increased risk of infection (due to a shortage of white blood cells), bleeding or bruising after minor cuts or injuries (due to a shortage of blood platelets), and fatigue or shortness of breath (due to low red blood cell counts).

Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped. There are remedies for many of the temporary side effects of chemotherapy. For example, antiemetic drugs can be given to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. If you experience any side effects, be sure to talk with your doctor.

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Mesothelioma Alerts

2007-10-23T08:00:00.001-07:00

Mesothelioma Subtype Shows Lengthier Projected Longevity: IASLC

By Charles Bankhead, Staff Writer, MedPage Today
September 21, 2007

Some malignant mesothelioma patients may have a prognosis that's not as grim as once widely believed, said a Nordic collaborative group
ASCO: Recent Study Confirms Pemetrexed-Platinum Activity in Malignant Mesothelioma

By Peggy Peck, Managing Editor, MedPage Today
June 06, 2007

Confirming results of previous studies, pemetrexed combined with either cisplatin or carboplatin demonstrated activity in previously untreated malignant pleural mesothelioma, said researchers.
Chemo Combination Improves Survival in Asbestos-Related Cancer

By Lise Millay Stevens, Contributing Writer, Health Behavior News Service February 8, 2007

People with mesothelioma — a form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure — have a higher survival rate when treated with a combination of two cancer drugs, a large multicenter study finds.
Onconase Shows Unique Promise In Treating Mesothelioma

RTT News June 27, 2006

Alfacell Corp. said that according to the research findings published in National Academy of Sciences Journal, the company's anti-cancer drug Onconase might be one of the most effective methods of treatment for mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by asbestos.
FDA approves Alimta-Cisplatin Combination for treatment of Asbestos-Related Cancer

Press Release February 2, 2004

The first and only drug regimen proven to help patients with an asbestos-related cancer live longer was approved today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Experimental Cancer Drug Tarceva

Reuters October 9, 2002

OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc. is more confident than ever of the potential of its experimental cancer drug Tarceva (erlotinib HCl), even after the failure of a similar drug in a major clinical study this summer, OSI Chairman and CEO Dr. Colin Goddard told investors at the UBS Warburg Global Life Sciences conference here on Wednesday.

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Mesothelioma Treatment

2007-10-23T07:58:00.002-07:00

For your convenience, we have consolidated mesothelioma treatment information for your review. This section is updated on a weekly basis.
Mesothelioma Alerts

Some malignant mesothelioma patients may have a prognosis that's not as grim as once widely believed, said a Nordic collaborative group - 9/21/07

Pemetrexed combined with either cisplatin or carboplatin demonstrated activity in previously untreated malignant pleural mesothelioma - 6/6/2007

Chemo Combination Improves Survival in Asbestos-Related Cancer - 2/8/2007
Conventional Therapies

Conventional mesothelioma therapies include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. You should keep in mind that if you choose one course of action for mesothelioma treatment, you may preclude other courses. All of your options should be considered as soon as possible.
Experimental Therapies

Several forms of mesothelioma treatment such as the drug Alimta, gene therapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and multimodality therapy are still in their experimental stages. We invite you to read the following articles on experimental therapies for Malignant Mesothelioma.
Clinical Trials

Information about current studies of promising new or experimental mesothelioma treatments.
Treatment by Stage

This section lists typical treatment strategies based on the stage (using the Butchart staging system) of a pleural mesothelioma.
Questions to Ask your Doctor

As you deal with your cancer and the process of treatment, you need to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. We have listed some questions that you might want to ask in this section.
Cancer Centers

Top Cancer Centers for mesothelioma treatment have been listed alphabetically by state for your convenience. Listings include contact information and Web site links where available.
Leading Physicians

We have become familiar with medical doctors who specialize in aggressively treating malignant mesothelioma. Some of these doctors will review your medical records for free to see if you are a candidate for their mesothelioma treatment protocol.
Articles & Abstracts

Selected abstracts relating to malignant mesothelioma from PubMed, the National Library of Medicine's search service.
Other Sources

Links to helpful resources on the World Wide Web for victims of mesothelioma and their families.

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Mesothelioma

2007-10-23T07:58:00.001-07:00

What is mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Although uncommon, mesothelioma is no longer considered rare. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is particulary difficult for doctors to diagnose and one that does not respond well to therapy.

The chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart are surrounded by a a layer of specialized mesothelial cells. Most other internal organs are also covered by these cells. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium.

A special protective lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around is produced by the mesothelium. This protective fluid helps the lungs to move without resistance inside the chest cavity while breathing. The medical name for the mesothelium of the chest is the pleura and the medical name for the mesothelium of the abdomen is the peritoneum. The mesothelium of the "sac-like" space around the heart is called the pericardium.

A malignant (cancerous) tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. As most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply called mesothelioma. Tumors of the mesothelium can also be benign (noncancerous) but benign mesotheliomas are much more rare.

Mesothelioma was recognized as a tumor of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium in the late 1700's. However it was not until much later, in 1960, that this particular type of tumor was described in more detail and even more importantly, its association with asbestos exposure was recognized. The first report linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure was written by J.C.Wagner, and described 32 cases of workers in the "Asbestos Hills" in South Africa. Since than the relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure has been confirmed in studies around the world.

The incidence of mesothelioma in the United States remains very low, with 14 cases occurring per million people per year. Despite these numbers the noticed threefold increase in mesothelioma in males between 1970 and 1984, is directly associated with environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos, mostly in areas of asbestos product plants and shipbuilding facilities.

Although the disease is much more commonly seen in 60-year old men, it has been described in women and early childhood as well. The cause of the disease is not so well understood in these latter two groups, but there is some evidence of possible asbestos exposure for some of these cases as well.

Malignant mesotheliomas are divided into three main types. About 50% to 70% of mesotheliomas are the epithelioid type. This type has the best prognosis (outlook for survival). The other two types are the sarcomatoid type (7%-20%), and the mixed/biphasic type (20%-35%). Treatment options for all three types are the same.

About three-fourths of mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. They are known as pleural mesotheliomas. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen. These are called peritoneal mesotheliomas. Pericardial mesotheliomas, those starting in the cavity around the heart, are very rare. The covering layer of the testicles is actually an outpouching of peritoneum into the scrotum. Mesotheliomas that affect this covering of the testicles are quite rare.
Questions

* What are the key statistics about mesothelioma?
* What are the different types of mesothelioma?
* What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
* What causes mesothelioma?
* What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?
* How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
* How is mesothelioma staged?
* What treatments are available for mesothelioma?

Glossary of Terms

asbestos: combination of several minerals that separate into long, threadlike fibers. Because they do not burn, do not conduct heat or electricity, and are very resistant to chemicals, these minerals are often used for making fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing, filters, etc. benign: doing no harm, good incidence: the frequency with which an event occurs (usually in a group at risk) pericardium: a thin membrane surrounding the heart and the roots of the great blood vessels.

peritoneum: a thin membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and partially covers some of the abdominal organs.

pleura: a thin membrane that covers the lungs (visceral pleura) and lines the chest cavity (parietal pleura) malignant: harmful, dangerous (a malignant tumor is a cancer).

median: middle number in a series of numbers (for example: median survival of 10 months means that for that specific group of patients the survival varied from probably 2 months to 30 months).

mesoderm: the middle layer of cells in an embryo, from which the muscular, skeletal, vascular, connective etc. tissues develop.

mesothelioma: a tumor of the mesothelium, that can be benign (localized) or malignant (diffusely spread), and that is most commonly caused by the ingestion of asbestos particles.

mesothelium: the thin layer of mesodermal epithelial cells that forms the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium.

metastases: the spread of tumor cells from one part of the body to another unrelated part of the body by the way of the bloodstream or lymphatics.

prognosis: prediction of the probable course of the disease in an individual. Prognostic factors are factors associated with prognosis.

TNM staging: assigning a stage to the tumor based on size, local versus disseminated growth, lymph node involvement and presence or absence of distant metastases.

tumor: a mass of tissue, a growth independent of its surrounding structures and having no physiological function/ a neoplasm. A tumor can be benign or malignant.

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Unions

2007-10-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

Overview

In recent years, especially since the problems of asbestos in the workplace have come to light, trade unions have stood behind those stricken with asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, and have rallied for the rights of workers who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos on-the-job.

Asbestos Cover Up

As early as the 1930s, executives at companies where asbestos was used daily were already covering up the fact that employees were being sickened and dying from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Legislation

Forty to fifty years ago, most unions were not successful in their fight against asbestos exposure issues. Today, however, some of the country’s largest and most powerful trade and labor unions are making strides in the fight for fair compensation for those sickened by asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Treatment

Unions have compiled information about the best places to receive treatment for mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases, as well as information on the most reputable doctors in a particular area for treating this aggressive form of cancer.

Workers at Risk

Because asbestos was so widely used for centuries, including the first three-quarters of the 20th century, literally millions of workers have been and remain at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.

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Occupations

2007-10-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

If you worked in one of the following trades or job occupations, it is likely that you were exposed to asbestos throughout your career. Additionally, if you were a family member of someone working in these occupations, you may have experienced second-hand exposure to asbestos. Both groups mentioned are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer).

* Aeronautical Engineers
* Asbestos Plant Workers
* Automobile Mechanics
* Blacksmiths
* Boilermakers
* Brick and Stone Masons
* Bulldozer Operators
* Cabinetmakers
* Carpenters
* Checkers, Examiners & Inspectors, Manufact.
* Chemical Technicians
* Civil Engineer
* Construction Workers
* Crane and Hoist Men
* Draftsmen
* Drill Press Operatives
* Drywall Tapers
* Electric Power Linemen & Cable Men
* Electrical Engineers
* Electricians
* Forge Men
* Freight and Material Handlers
* Furnace Men, Smelter-Men & Pourers
* Garage Workers
* Grinding Machine Operatives
* Hairdressers
* Heavy Equipment Mechanics
* Household Appliance Installers
* HVAC Workers
* Industrial Engineers
* Industrial Plant Workers
* Insulators
* Iron Workers
* Laborers
* Locomotive Engineers
* Longshoremen and Stevedores

* Loom Fixers
* Machine Operatives
* Machinists
* Maintenance Workers
* Managers and Superintendents
* Mechanical Engineer
* Mechanics & Repairmen; Aircraft
* Merchant Marines
* Metal Lathers
* Millwrights
* Mixing Operatives
* Molders
* Oil Refinery Workers
* Operating Engineers
* Painters
* Pipefitters
* Plasterers
* Plumbers
* Power Plant Workers
* Railroad Workers
* Road Machine Operators
* Roofers and Slaters
* Sailors and Deckhands
* Sales Engineer
* Sawyers
* Sheetmetal Workers
* Shipyard Workers
* Stationary Engineers
* Steamfitters
* Structural Metal Craftsmen
* Teachers
* Telephone Repairmen
* Textile Operatives
* Tile Setters
* Tinsmiths
* Tool and Die Makers
* U.S. Navy Veterans
* Weavers
* Welders

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Products

2007-10-23T07:47:00.002-07:00

Asbestos was used in a wide array of products and industrial settings. Those who manufactured these products as well as those who worked with them directly are at risk to develop asbestos diseases such as malignant mesothelioma. Our extensive research has disclosed that asbestos was used in the following products:

ABCDEFGHIJKLM
NOPQRSTUVWXYZ

* aprons
* air cell pipecovering
* ASB weatherproof jacket
* AC&S asbestos products
* acoustical panels
* acoustical plaster
* acoustical tile
* Acoustone ceiling tiles
* adhesive
* Aeroflex
* Aerogun insulating mix
* AFJ board
* Aircell
* Aircell asbestos board
* Aircell block
* Aircell board
* Aircell paper
* Aircell pipecovering
* Aircell sheets
* Aircell zebra pipecover
* Allbestos
* Alumi-Shield pipecover
* Amblerex #2 cement
* Amblerex finishing cement
* Antisweat covering
* Antisweat pipecovering
* apron
* Armabestos
* Armabestos block
* Armabestos pipecovering
* Armafil
* Armaflex
* Armaflex finish
* Armaflex pipecovering
* Armaflex sheets
* Armaflex tape
* Armaglas
* Armaglas Flex
* Armaglas fire resistant
* Armalite
* Armalok
* Armaspray
* Armatemp #10 cement
* Armatemp 85% magnesia
* Armatemp block
* Armatemp cement
* Armatemp pipecovering
* Armstrong 1/8" vinal ASBE
* Armstrong block
* Armstrong cal sil
* Armstrong fire resistant
* Armstrong lagging adhesive
* Armstrong pipecovering
* Armstrong products
* Armstrong woolfelt
* Arrestone asbestos pads
* asbestos boiler wall coat
* asbestos corrugated sheets
* asbestos finish cement
* asbestos insulating blanket
* Asbestocel
* Asbestocel corrugated paper
* Asbeston
* Asbeston cloth
* Asbestone panels
* asbestos
* asbestos blankets
* asbestos block
* asbestos board
* asbestos canvas
* asbestos cement
* asbestos cement pipe
* asbestos cellular pipecover
* asbestos cloth
* asbestos cord
* asbestos curtains
* asbestos felt
* asbestos fiber
* asbestos finishing cement
* asbestos flatboard
* asbestos forms
* asbestos furnace tape
* asbestos gaskets
* asbestos gloves
* asbestos heat bags
* asbestos insulating cement
* asbestos insulation
* asbestos lap
* asbestos micarda
* asbestos millboard
* asbestos mineral wool
* asbestos mittens
* asbestos packing
* asbestos panels
* asbestos paper
* asbestos paper pipecovering
* asbestos pipecovering
* asbestos products/care
* asbestos rollboard
* asbestos rope
* asbestos seals
* asbestos sheets
* asbestos sponge block
* asbestos sponge cover
* asbestos spray
* asbestos tape
* asbestos textile
* asbestos tiles
* asbestos weatherproof
* asbestos wick
* asbestos yarn
* asbestospray
* asbestos-faced mineral wool
* asphalt
* Atlasite block
* Atlasite pipecovering
* automobile hood liners
* B&W boiler
* Baldwin-Hill cement
* Baldwin-Hill products
* bead board
* BEH block
* BEH cement
* BEH pipecovering
* BEH products
* Bestfelt
* Bestfelt block
* Bestfelt pipecovering
* B-H expansion joint
* black asbestos
* block adhesive
* block stick
* Blue Mud cement
* board
* boiler
* boiler coating
* boiler insulation
* brake linings
* Buck Stay cement
* BW firebrick
* cables
* Cafco adhesive
* Cafco blaze shield
* Cafco emulsion adhesive
* Cafco heat shield
* Cafco patching fiber
* Cafco powershield
* Cafco sealer
* Cafco shield-coat
* Cafco sound shield
* Cafco spray
* calcium silicate
* calcium silicate block
* calcium silicate canvas
* calcium silicate cement
* calcium silicate cover
* calcium silicate hangers
* calcium silicate pipecovering
* Calcrete30
* Calsil block
* Calsilite
* Calsilite block
* Calsilite canvas
* Calsilite insulating cement
* Calsilite pipecovering
* Caltemp cement
* canvas
* carded asbestos cloth
* Caretemp block
* Carey 7M cement
* Carey asbestos cement
* Carey all-temp
* Carey asbestos insulating ducts
* Carey asbestos cloth
* Carey asbestos felts
* Carey asbestos tank jacket
* Carey block
* Carey BTU cement
* Carey calcium silicate block
* Carey calcium silicate pipecovering
* Carey Candad asbestos
* Carey cement
* Carey corrugated asbestos paper
* Carey duct adhesive
* Carey fibrous adhesive
* Carey fireclad asbestos paper
* Carey firefoil board
* Carey firefoil panel
* Carey fireguard asbestos paper
* Carey flex board
* Carey insulation duct
* Carey insulation seal
* Carey marine panel
* Carey insulating cement
* Carey panel board
* Carey pipecovering
* Carey products
* Carey stone sheathing
* Carey super-lite pipecovering
* Carey thermalite
* Carey woolfelt
* Carey york products
* Carey york clock
* Carey york pipecovering
* Careycell block
* Careycell pipecovering
* Carey thermaboard
* Careytemp
* Careytemp block
* Careytemp pipecovering
* Careytemp adhesive
* Careytemp block
* Careytemp cement
* Careytemp pipecovering
* Careytemp pre-molded insulation
* Castable
* Castablock
* CC navy sealer
* CE cement
* ceiling tiles
* Cellotone
* Celotex products
* cement
* Cement insulation
* Cementboards
* Cerafelt
* ceramic tile
* Chrysotile
* CI mastic
* clapboards
* clay
* Cleangard
* cloth
* clutches
* CMT-Eagle 20
* coat
* coat cement
* Cominco insulation cement
* cord
* cork board
* cork covering
* cork-filled mastic
* cork mastic
* corrugated asbestos sheets
* Covergard
* Crocidolite
* Cummings insulation
* Deltamaid hitemp master
* Deltamaid one-shot cement
* Detrick bonding cement
* dry mix joint compound
* Duplex block
* Duplex pipecovering
* Duriseal
* Eagle insulating cement
* Eagle pitcher products
* Ehret 85% magnesia block
* Ehret 85% magnesia pipecover
* Ehret asbestos fiber felt
* Ehret block
* Ehret pipecovering
* Ehret products
* EM cell block
* EM cell board
* EM cell pipecovering
* EM felt covering
* Empire ace products
* Empire aircell block
* emulsions
* Endless plastic ring style
* Enduro block
* Enduro pipecovering
* Erco products
* Erhet 85% magnesia block
* Excel block
* Excel board
* Excel pipecovering
* Excelon tile
* expansion join
* fake snow
* featherweight block
* featherweight pipecover
* fiber cement
* fibreboard products
* Fibrekote
* fibrex cement
* fibrous adhesive
* finishing cement
* fire brick
* fire resistant insulation shield
* fireproofing cement
* flameguard
* Flames Safe pipecovering
* Flapseal adhesive
* Flash Tite cement
* Flexfast adhesive
* Flexfelt
* Flexible corner bead
* flexible duct connectors
* Flintkote floor tiles
* floor tiles
* Flurobestos
* Franco-therm cement
* frost proof
* furnace cement
* Fyrbestos sheets
* G. Bond wood fiber paster
* GAF asbestos felt
* GAF products
* Garlock gasketing
* Garlock products
* gasket material
* gaskets
* Gator tape
* Generator
* GE products
* glassbestos
* glassblower mitts
* Glosscell block
* Glosscell covering
* gloves
* Gold Bond adhesive
* Gold Bond asbestos paper
* Gold Bond asbestos sheets
* Gold Bond cement
* Gold Bond perfo-lyte
* Gold Bond Plaster
* Gold Bond products
* Gold Bond spackle paster
* Gold bond tar paper
* goldbestos
* Griptex mineral wool block
* Guardian heatguard
* gunning mix
* H.K. Porter canvas
* H.K. Porter products
* H/2 insulation block
* hairfelt
* Heatguard
* Heat-seal
* helmet
* HI mastic
* HI stick cement
* HI temp cement
* high pressure packing
* High Temp insulating cement
* Hilite insulating cement
* Hitemp block
* Hitemp board
* Hitemp pipecovering
* Hou Daille 10 11
* Hou Daille 1871H
* Hou Daille 65
* Hylo block
* Hylo cement
* Hylo pipecovering
* Hy-temp block
* Hy-temp cement
* Hy-temp pipecovering

* industrial A-C board
* Insubestos felt strips
* Insubestos felt type A
* Insubestos felt type B
* insulating block
* insulating cement
* insulating contractor
* insulating felt
* insulation
* insulation blanket
* insulation board
* insulation coating
* insulation jacket FAB
* Insulbestos felt
* Insulkote SG
* Insulkote-coating
* Insulmastic
* Insulseal
* Insulstick
* Insultape insulation
* J-M asbestos cloth
* J Spray
* Jcafco products
* joint compounds
* JM 301 cement
* J-M asbestos canvas
* J-M asbestos gasketing
* J-M block
* J-M cement
* J-M finishing cement
* J-M pipecovering
* J-M products
* joint compound
* JPS asbestos cloth
* K & M block
* K & M finishing cement
* K & M pipecovering
* K & M Kaytherm 1700
* Kaiser mineral wool block
* Kalite
* Karnak mastic
* Kaylo block
* Kaylo block insulation
* Kaylo canvas
* Kaylo pipe insulation
* Kaylo pipecovering
* Kaytherm block
* Kaytherm block insulation
* Kaytherm cement
* Kaytherm pipe insulation
* Kaytherm pipecovering
* Keasby cement
* Keasby products
* Keene asbestos products
* Keene block
* Keene pipecovering
* Keene woodfelt
* Krack-pruf insulation
* lagging adhesive
* lagging cloth
* lagging tape
* lagtone
* lap seal
* leggings
* limpet spray
* limpet spray asbestos
* Litecase 30 S
* LK block
* LK pipecovering
* LT block
* LT pipecovering
* LT sealer
* Magnesia block
* Magnesia cement
* Magnesia covering
* Magnesia insulating cement
* Marinite insulating panel
* Magnesia pipecovering
* masonry fill
* mastic
* mastic adhesives
* metal mesh blanket
* Micabestos
* Micarda plate and tube
* millboard
* Mills boiler
* mineral wool insulating cement
* mineral wool
* mineral wool blankets
* mineral wool blocks
* mittens
* mitts
* molded cork pipecovering
* Monoblock
* Monofoam
* Monokote
* Monoplast
* Mono-ply insulating cement
* Monospray
* mortat mix
* Multiply block
* Multiply pipecovering
* Mundet asbestos cement
* Mundet pipecovering
* Mundet products
* Mundetblock
* Mundetcork
* N-1200 block
* National gypsum sheetrock
* National gypsum board
* Navy sealer
* Navy standard hairfelt
* Newtherm pipecovering
* NG Asbestos millboard
* Nicolet pipecovering
* Nicolet/Keasby products
* non-sweat pipe insulation
* non-sweat pipe covering
* Novabestos
* Novatex
* Nsulkote
* nuclear reactor w/comp
* OCF asbestos cloth
* OCF products
* one coat cement
* one coat insulating cement
* one coat cement
* one coat finishing cement
* Osnaburg
* Owens-Corning 660 cement
* Owens-Corning asbestos cement
* Pabco
* Pabco block
* Pabco caltemp pipecover
* Pabco F-1 hydraulic cement
* Pabco pipecovering
* Pabco super caltemp block
* packing
* packing material
* paint
* paper
* paper tape
* patching plaster
* Perf-a-tape
* Perlite
* Perltex spray surface
* Perltex super 40
* Permaboard
* Permiseal
* Philip Carey products
* pipe insulation
* pipecovering
* Pitcote
* Pittsburgh Corning products
* Pittwrat
* plaster
* plasticork
* Plibrico cement
* Plicaste cement
* Plisulate cement
* Polybestos cloth
* Pork chop boiler
* Porterlag
* Portersite
* Powerhouse cement
* Prasco pipecovering
* preformed pipe wrap
* pumps
* pumps and packing
* pumps with packing
* putty
* Pyrobar blocks
* Pyrokure
* Pyrokure paper
* Pyrokure tape
* Pyroscat fireproofing
* Pyrospray
* Pyrotex
* quick-setting joint compound
* quick treat compound
* quickset cement
* R & I block
* R & I unsulating cement
* Racko asbestos cement
* railroad asbestos
* railroad electrical arc chutes
* range boiler jacket
* raw asbestos
* raw asbestos fiber
* Raybestos amosite blanket
* Raymark brake linings
* Raymark products
* ready mix joint compound
* Red Top plaster
* Red Top products
* refractory cements
* regular pipecovering
* Rexalt
* Rhinoestos cloth
* Riley Stoker asbestos products
* Rockwool insulation cement
* Rockwool asbestos blanket
* Rockwool asbestos blanket
* Rockwool blanket
* Rockwool block
* roofing felt
* roofing paper
* roofing product
* rollboard
* rope
* rope packing
* roughing cement
* Ruberoid block
* Ruberoid calsilite
* Ruberoid cement
* Ruberoid hi-temp cement
* Ruberoid pipecovering
* S&K ranger boiler jacket
* Safekote cement
* Salmo glazed aircell
* Seal fast adhesive
* sealer
* sheet packing
* sheet rope
* sheetrock
* sheets
* shingles
* silicate calsilite
* Silvabestos cloth
* sleeves
* Smith & Kanzler products
* Sniper 3000 cement
* spackle
* Sparkfast adhesive
* Speedlag
* Splicegard
* sponge felt
* spray fireproofing
* spun felt
* Stalastic
* steam generator
* Stic-Tite cement
* Stic-Tite finishing cement
* Stik-Tab cement
* stone corrugated sheets
* Super "66" insulating cement
* Super 48 cement
* Super 711
* Super D blockinsulate
* Super finish stic-tite cement
* Super finish cement
* Super high temp cement
* Super insulation tape
* Super light block
* Super powerhouse cement
* Super stic-tite cement
* Super48 insulating cement
* Superex block insulation
* Superex pipe covering
* Super-light cement
* Superseal packing
* Supertemp blocking
* supplied/distributed ASBE
* supplied/distributed PRO
* supplier
* T/NA insulation jacket
* tape
* tar paper
* temp check block
* temp check pipecovering
* terra lite
* Terrybestos
* Themobestos metalon P/C
* Therm Block
* Thermabestos block
* Thermabestos cement
* Thermaguard
* Thermaguard asbestos cloth
* Therma-K block
* Therma-K pipecovering
* Thermalcoat
* Thermasil
* Thermasil block
* Thermasil cement
* Thermasil pipecovering
* Thermasil-general
* Thermo 12
* Thermo 12 pipecovering
* Thermo pipecovering
* Thermobestos
* Thermobestos pipecover
* Thermoblock
* Thermokote
* Thermolite
* Thermon heat cement
* Thermotex B
* Thermotex B (paper)
* Thermotex B weatherpro
* thin set materials
* Titegrip cement
* Transite board
* Transite pipe asbestos
* Tri-bestos
* Tri-calite block insulation
* troweled coating
* turbines
* turbines with ancill insulation
* U.S. gypsum spray
* Unarco amocel pipecover
* Unarco board
* Unarco cloth
* Unarco insulating cement
* Unarco mineral wool
* Unarco products
* Unibestos
* Unibestos block
* Unibestos pipecovering
* Unibestos products/distribution
* USG aircell pipecover
* USG hairfelt pipecover
* USG woolfelt pipecover
* Util thermal finish cement
* valve rings
* valve stem packing style
* valves
* valves and packing
* various JM products
* V-Dent pipe insulation
* Vee block mix (relabel)
* Vermont asbestos
* Versakote
* vinyl gypsum adhesive
* vinyl wallpaper
* Vitricel asbestos sheet
* Vitricel cement
* wallboard
* water tube boiler
* waterproofing
* Weathercote asphalt CM
* Weatherkote
* Weatherseal
* weld-on cement
* welding rods
* white loose wool
* white surface cement
* white-cement
* wick
* wire mesh blanket
* wires
* Woolfe LT pipecovering
* Woolfelt block
* Woolfelt covering
* Wovenstone
* yarn
* yellow insulation
* Zono plaster aggregate
* Zono-coustic
* Zonolite acoustic plaster
* Zonolite asbestos
* Zonolite cement
* Zonolite decorators
* Zonolite dry cement
* Zonolite high temp
* Zonolite mono-cote F.P.
* Zonolite plaster
* Zonolite spray insulation
* Zonolite spra-tex

Source

Job Sites

2007-10-23T07:47:00.001-07:00

All Job Sites

See a comprehensive list of job sites across the United States where asbestos exposure may have occurred.
Aluminum Plants
Aluminum Plants

We have collected a list of the major Aluminum Plants across the country where our clients have been exposed to asbestos.
Chemical Plants
Chemical Plants

Browse through a list of some of the major Chemical Plants where our clients have been subject to asbestos exposure.
Oil Refineries
Oil Refineries

We have collected information on some of the major Oil Refineries where our clients have been placed at risk to develop asbestos related diseases like mesothelioma.
Power Plants
Power Plants

Our clients have been exposed to asbestos at some of these power plants across the country.
Shipyards
Shipyards

Many of our clients were exposed to asbestos in shipyards across the country. We have collected brief histories and information on some of the major Shipyards where our clients have been exposed.
Steel Mills
Steel Mills

We have collected a list of some of the major Steel Mills across the United States where our clients have been exposed to asbestos.

Source

Companies

2007-10-23T07:46:00.001-07:00

Many companies may have manufactured and distributed asbestos or asbestos-related products. These companies knowingly put people at risk for asbestos exposure and for developing asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural disease. Some of these compainies are listed below:

ABCDEFGHIJKLM
NOPQRSTUVWXYZ

A
AAA Smolka Co.
ABB Lummus Global Inc.
ABC, Inc.
ABEX Corporation
AC&S
A.F. Supply Corporation
All Boros Plumbing and Heating
American Cyanamid
American Foreign Steamship
American Home Products
American International Co.
American Olean Tile Co.
American Premier Group
American Saturated Felt
A.P. Green Services, Inc.
Area Plumbing and Heating
Armstrong World Industries
AT&T Corp.
ATRA Inc.
Aurora Pump Company
AVCO Corp.

B
Babcock and Wilcox
Basic Inc.
Beckett Corporation
Bell Atlantic Corp.
Bell & Gossett Co.
Bendix Corporation
Bergen Tile & Linoleum
Bird Incorporated
Blackman Supply
Blackman Plumbing Supply
Borg Warner Security Corp.
Brass Craft Manufacturing
Burnham Corporation

C
Capital Gypsum
Caristo Construction Corp.
Carlin Combustion Technology
Carrier Corporation
CBS Inc.
Central Pipe Supply
Certain-teed Corporation
Chase Manhattan Bank
Chevron Shipping Co.
Chiquita Brands International
Chrysler Corporation
City Line Plumbing & Heating
Cleaver Brooks
Columbia Acoustics
Colubmia Boiler
Coltec Industries
Combustion Engineering
Con Edison
Consolidated Rail Corp.
Courter & Company
Crane Company
Crocker-Wheeler Company
CSR, LTD
Cypress Plumbing & Heating

D
DAL-Tile International
Davis & Warshow, Inc.
Dereco Inc.
DeKalb Tile Company
Delaware and Hudson Rail
Domtar Gypsum
Donlee Technologies
Durabula Manufacturing Co.
Duro Dyne Corporation
D.W.W. & Associates

E
Eastman Kodak Company
Eigen Supply Company
Elm Supply Co. Inc.
Empire Ace Insulation Man
Ericcson, Inc.
Evcon Industries

F
Farrell Lines
Federal Boiler Company
Fibreboard
Fitzgibbons Boiler Company
Flexitallic Gasket Company
The Flintkote Co.
F.M. Charlton Company, Inc.
Ford Motor Company
Foster Wheeler

G
G&G Seal Co.
GAF
Garlock
Garson Plumbing Supplies
General Electric Supply Co.
General Motors Corp.
George A. Fuller Corp.
Georgia Pacific
Gilmour Supply Company
Goulds Pumps
Grant Wilson, Inc.
Graybar Electric Company
Gustin-Bacon Division

H
Harbison-Walker Refractory
Harris-Tarkett, Inc.
Henry Quentzel Plumbing
Hobb Electrical Supply
H.K. Porter
Homasote Company
Hydrotherm, Inc.

I
IBM
IMO Industries
Insulation Supply Corp.
International Paper Company
Isbrandtsen Marine Service
ITT Corporation
ITT Grinell Corp.
ITT Sheraton Corp.

J
Jaquays
Jamaica Plumbing & Heating
J.H. France
Johns-Manville
John Sore, Inc.
Joseph A. Hendel, Inc.
JT Thorpe
Just Plumbing & Heating

K
Kaiser Aluminum
Kaiser Gypsum
Kelly Moore Paint
Kew-Forrest Plumbing & Heating
King Dandorf Insulation
Klauser Supply Co.
Kohler Co.

L
LAQ
LAS Replacement Parts, Inc.
Lenox Group
Liberty Plumbing & Heating
Lincoln Electric Company
Loews Corp.
Long Island Lighting Co.
Long Island Railroad
Louis Greenberg
Lykes Bros. Steamship Co.

M
Manco Inc.
Marine Transport Lines
Mayer Mablin Co.
McQuay International
Mestek Inc.
Metro-North Railroad
Metropolitan Life Insurance
Gil Meyerowitz
Mormac Marine Group

N
Nassau Valley & Supply Corp.
National Bulk Carriers
National Gypsum Company (Gold Bond)
Navistar International Corp.
Nevimar
New Jersey Transit
New York Plumbing & Heating
New York Power Authority
New York Protective Covering
Nicolet
North American Refractories

O
Oak Fabco
Okonite Company
Owens-Corning Fiberglas/Owens-Illinois

P
Pacific Steel Boiler Corp.
Packings and Insulation
Parsons Plumbing Supply
Peerless Heater Co.
Penn Central Corporation
Pfizer
Phelps Dodge Company
Phillips Petroleum
PIC Contractors
Pittsburg Corning Company (Unibestos)
Plant Insulation
Plibrico
Preferred Utilities Manufacturers
Proko Industries Inc.

R
Raisler Corporation
Rapid American (Philip Carey Mft. Co.)
Raybestos
Reynolds Metals Company
Riley Stoker Corp.
Robert A. Keasbey Co.
Rockbestos
Roddis Craft
Roddis Plywood & Door Co.
Roe Fire and Safety
Rutland Fire & Clay Company

S
Sea-Land Service Inc.
Serve Well Plumbing & Heating
Sheraton New York
Sheridan Plumbing & Heating
Sherwood Davis & Geck
Shipley Oil Co.
Skinner Engine Company
Smolka Co.
Solco Plumbing Supply Inc.
Square Deal Supply Co.
Standard
Sterling Fluid Systems
Stone & Webster Engineering
Superior Boiler Company
Syd Carpenter
Synkoloid Company

T
T&A Valve & Fitting Inc.
T&N Industries
Tarkett Floor Company
Texaco Marine Services
The Equitable Company
The Trane Company
Tishman Construction Corp.
Tishman Liquidation Corp.
Tishman Realty & Construction
Todd's Shipyard
Toyota Motors
Treadwell Corporation
Triangle Sheet Metal Workers
Trinidad Corporation
Turner Construction Company
The Turner Corporation

U
Unarco (UNR)
Union Carbide Chemicals
Uniroyal
United Fruit Company
United States Gypsum Company
U.S. Mineral Products
U.S. Plywood Corporation
Utility Manufacturing Co.

V
Vellumoid

W
Weil McLain
Wesco Distribution Inc.
Westinghouse Electric Supply
Worthington Corporation
W.R. Grace/Zonolite Company
W.S. Tyler Incorporated

Y
York International Corp.

Z
Zurn Industries

Source

Asbestos Industry

2007-10-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Companies

Clients of Early, Ludwick and Sweeney have successfully received settlements and awards from a host of asbestos manufacturers and distributors. Listed here is a sampling of these companies. Your employer may be listed here.

The Job Sites

If you or a relative has ever worked at one of the job sites listed, you may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos and could be at risk to develop asbestos related diseases including malignant mesothelioma.

The Products

You may not realize all of the types and forms of materials that contained asbestos. Many of the products which may be familiar to you appear here and are part of our extensive database.

Unions

We have compiled a comprehensive resource for union workers who developed mesothelioma as a result of on-the-job asbestos exposure. In recent years trade unions have rallied for the rights of workers who were unknowingly exposed to this dangerous material.

Who is at Risk?

Virtually anyone who breathed asbestos dust. Exposures usually occur at major construction job sites, in shipyards, onboard navy vessels and during construction or renovation of commercial buildings. People in the vicinity of boilers and piping often are at risk. So too are their families, as asbestos often was carried home on the clothing of the workers.

Source

Exposure To Mesothelioma

2007-10-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

The occupations listed below have a history of high levels of asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has a past or present lifestyle and exposure to the occupations listed below you may wish to be examined by a doctor for asbestos-related conditions.

Aeronautical Engineer
Astronautical Engineer
Asbestos Plant Workers
Automobile Mechanics
Blacksmiths
Boilermakers
Brick Masons and Stone Masons
Bulldozer Operators
Cabinetmakers
Carpenters
Car Shop Workers
Carding, Lapping and Combing Operatives
Checkers, Examiners & Inspectors, Manufact.
Chemical Technicians
Civil Engineer
Clothing Ironers and Pressers
Crane, Derrick and Hoist Men
Draftsmen
Drill Press Operatives
Drywall Tapers
Electric Power Linemen & Cable Men
Electrical and Electronic Engineers
Electricians
Engineers
Excavating Machine Operators
Filers, Polishers, Sanders, Buffers
Foremen
Forge Men and Hammer Men
Freight and Material handlers
Furnace Men, Smelter-Men & Pourers
Garage Workers and Gas Station Attendants
Grinding Machine Operatives
Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
Heat Treaters, Annealers & Temperers
Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Household Appliances Installers and Mechanics
Household Residents of Exposed Workers
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Plant Workers
Insulators
Insurance Adjusters, Examiners & Investigators
Iron Workers
Job & Die Setters
Laborers
Locomotive Engineers
Longshoremen and Stevedores
Loom Fixers
Machine Operatives, Misc. Specified
Machinists
Maintenance Workers
Managers and Superintendents; Building
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanics & Repairmen; Aircraft
Merchant Marines
Metal Lathers
Millwrights
Mixing Operatives
Molders
Motormen; Mine, Factory, Logging Camp
Officers, Pilots and Pursers; Ship
Oil Refinery Workers
Operating Engineers
Painters, Construction and Maintenance
Painters and Sculptors
Pattern and Model Makers, excluding Paper
Personnel and Labor Relations Workers
Pipefitters
Plasterers
Plumbers
Power Plant Workers
Railroad Workers
Residents of towns with former Asbestos Manufacturing Plants
Road Machine Operators
Rollers and Finishers
Roofers and Slaters
Sailors and Deckhands
Sales Engineer
Sawyers
Sheetmetal Workers
Shipyard Workers
Spinners, Twisters and Winders
Stationary Engineers
Steamfitters
Structural Metal Craftsmen
Teachers: Elementary, College and University
Technicians
Telephone Installers and Repairmen
Textile Operatives
Tile Setters
Tinsmiths
Tool and Die Makers
U.S. Navy Veterans
Weavers
Welders and Flame-cutters
Winding Operatives

Source

Experts Disagree on Asbestos Risk in NYC

2007-10-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Unprotected workers may develop mesothelioma

The pictures are vivid: office workers, firefighters, and police coated in gray dust after the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York. The immediate effects were obvious: people choking, coughing, and gasping. Now, however, people are starting to wonder about the long-term health effects of that day. News agencies have reported that the steel trusses supporting the lower floors of the Trade Center's towers were sprayed with hundreds of tons of asbestos-containing fire retardants during construction in the 1960's, before the hazards of asbestos were known.

Bonnie Bellow, director of communications for the New York regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stated that nine air samples near "ground zero" the day after the collapse produced no detectable levels of asbestos. Of the four dust samples taken so far, three showed safe levels of asbestos (below 1 percent). However, a fourth sample was composed of about 4 percent asbestos, much higher than what's considered safe. Some medical experts would say there is no safe level of asbestos that can be breathed in.

Experts disagree on risk
If workers wear special masks (respirators) and protective suits, and change out of the suits before leaving, this usually provides adequate protection against breathing in asbestos. The EPA provided 3,000 respirators and 10,000 protective suits for rescue workers at the site to use. Ms. Bellow stated that any danger from asbestos would be confined to those unprotected emergency workers right at the scene of the collapse.

Phillip Landrigan, chairman of the department of community and preventive medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NewYork and a leading expert on occupational diseases, stated that over the long term the rescue workers at the World Trade Center are likely to have a higher incidence of mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer. He stated in an interview that when firefighters are extinguishing fires they wear their masks, but when the fire is out "the mask is off, the asbestos is there, they kick it up and inhale it." More than 15 percent of New York firefighters in a recent study were found to have asbestos-related diseases.

Dr. Mark Siegel, an expert in pulmonary medicine at Yale School of Medicine and director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Yale New Haven Hospital, has a different view. Asbestos usually causes illness with repeated exposure to it over long periods of time. "So a single isolated asbestos exposure, even if it was large in quantity, would be unlikely to cause major lung damage," he stated in an interview.

What's at stake
Asbestos fibers, when inhaled into the lungs, stay there and cause irritation and scarring (asbestosis) and lung cancer. The tissue lining the chest, abdomen, heart, and reproductive organs (mesothelium) can also become cancerous (mesothelioma). Asbestos exposure is the major known cause of mesothelioma (70-85% of cases). About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. There is no cure.

One of the difficulties in determining who may develop mesothelioma is that it does not show up for 20, 30 or even 50 years after exposure to asbestos. There are no early warning signs, and the symptoms--shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, or abdominal pain and swelling--may be mistaken for any number of other medical problems.

Watch and wait?
Perhaps the best answer at this time to the question, "Will the unprotected rescue workers develop mesothelioma?" is, "No one knows for sure." Some individuals with only brief exposures to asbestos have developed cancer, and not all asbestos workers who are heavily exposed develop lung disease. Unfortunately, only time will tell.

Information for this article was taken from:
- Cook, G. and Robertson, T. "Asbestos dust poses threat to rescue crews." The Boston Globe, 9/14/01.
- Gordon, G. "A new threat in New York: asbestos." Star Tribune, 9/14/01.
- National Cancer Institute. Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma. Available online.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control. Congressional Testimony of Kathleen M. Rest, Acting Director, Before the United States Senate, on Workplace Exposure to Asbestos, July 31, 2001. Available online.
- Reuters Medical News. "Health effects of World Trade dust cloud may linger." Medscape.com, 9/12/01.

Source

Asbestosis

2007-10-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Definition

Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
Alternative Names
Pulmonary fibrosis - from asbestos exposure; Interstitial pneumonitis - from asbestos exposure
Causes

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue (fibrosis) to form inside the lung. Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract normally, and cannot perform gas exchange. The severity of the disease depends upon the duration of exposure to asbestos and the amount inhaled.

Asbestos fibers were commonly used in construction before 1975. Asbestos exposure occurs in asbestos mining and milling industries, construction, fireproofing, and other industries. In families of asbestos workers, exposure can also occur from particles brought home on the worker's clothing.

Asbestos-related disease includes pleural plaques (calcification), malignant mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. Mesotheliomas may develop 20 - 40 years after exposure. Workers today are less likely to develop asbestos-related disease because of government regulations.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing the disease. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people.
Symptoms

* Shortness of breath on exertion
* Cough
* Tightness in the chest
* Chest pain

Possible additional symptoms include the following:

* Nail abnormalities
* Clubbing of fingers

Exams and Tests

When listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation), the doctor may detect a crackling sound.
These tests may help diagnose the disease:

* Chest x-ray
* Pulmonary function tests
* CT scan of the lungs
* Gallium lung scan

Treatment

There is no cure available. Stopping further exposure to asbestos is essential. To ease symptoms, postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration can help remove secretions from the lungs.

The doctor may prescribe aerosol medications to thin secretions. People with this condition may need to receive oxygen by mask or by a plastic piece that fits into the nostrils. Certain patients may require lung transplantation.
Support Groups

You can ease the stress of this illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group.
Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome depends upon the duration and extent of the exposure. Patients who develop malignant mesothelioma have a poor probable outcome, with 75% of those affected dying within 1 year.
Possible Complications

* Malignant mesothelioma
* Pleural effusion

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos or if you have unexplained symptoms.
Prevention

In people who are exposed to asbestos, early screening by chest x-ray may help prevent asbestosis.
References

Pupavath S, Godwin JD. Imaging of interstitial lung disease. Radiol Clin North Am. May 2005;43:589-599.

Glazer CS, Newman LS. Occupational interstitial lung disease. Chest. September 2004;25:467-478.

English JC, Leslie KO. Pathology of the pleura. Clin Chest Med. June 2006;27:157-180.

Source

Asbestos Exposure

2007-10-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

A Look Into Mesothelioma, The Cancer Caused By Asbestos

Often called the “asbestos cancer”, mesothelioma is a disease affecting the abdomen, chest and areas around the heart. It is believed that those exposed to even small amounts of asbestos can develop the life threatening disease. This is especially a concern for industrial/construction workers thus often affecting more men than women generally. Even more startling, one may not show symptoms until 40 years later!

Ages Affected

The average age of mesothelioma patients are 50-60 years of age. It is assumed then that one develops mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos, however the disease and its symptoms do not present itself until senior age.

Mesothelioma is a fast moving disease.

Once symptoms begin, the disease progresses rapidly. It is often misdiagnosed as lesser ailments, as the early stages show very little or no symptoms at all. Once diagnosed, it is then defined into what stage the disease has progressed depending on where the cancer is located and how much it has spread to other parts of the body and organs.

Forms of Mesothelioma

The two most common forms of mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneum. As the disease progresses, those stricken with mesothelioma experience the following symptoms:

Pleural Mesothelioma (affecting the membrane lining of the heart and lungs)

* Difficulty breathing

* Weight loss when not dieting

* Fever

* General ill feeling

Peritoneum (affecting the membrane that lines the stomach)

* Swelling of the abdomen

* Abdominal pain

* Anemia

* Fever

* Constipation

* Weight loss when not dieting

* Bowel obstruction

The symptoms described could be symptoms of other ailments, however asbestos exposure is the key element is making a proper diagnosis. Approximately 70-80% of patients afflicted with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any symptoms, please consult your physician for further diagnosis.

Source

Asbestos Exposure: Questions and Answers

2007-10-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Key Points

* Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers (see Question 1).
* Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, other cancers, and other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders (see Question 3).
* Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of lung cancer (see Question 6).
* Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job, through the environment, or at home via a family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms (see Question 7).
* Government agencies can provide additional information on asbestos exposure (see Questions 8, 9, and 11).

*

1. What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers and can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been widely used in many industries.

There are two subgroups of asbestos: chrysotile, which has curly fibers and is in the serpentine family of minerals; and amphibole asbestos, which has straight, needle-like fibers and includes actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and amosite asbestos. Chrysotile asbestos is the form that has been used predominantly in commercial applications worldwide (1, 2).
2. How is asbestos used?

Asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America beginning in the late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World War II (3, 4). Since then, asbestos has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industry has used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads. Asbestos has also been used in ceiling and floor tile; paints, coatings, and adhesives; and plastics. In addition, asbestos has been found in vermiculite-containing consumer garden products and some talc-containing crayons.

In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. Additionally, in 1979, manufacturers of electric hairdryers voluntarily stopped using asbestos in their products. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established prior to 1989 are still allowed. The EPA also established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it (2).

In June 2000, the CPSC concluded that the risk of children’s exposure to asbestos fibers in crayons was extremely low (1). However, the U.S. manufacturers of these crayons agreed to eliminate talc from their products. In August 2000, the EPA responded to reports it received about the adverse human health effects associated with exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite by conducting a series of tests to evaluate the extent of the risk. The EPA investigation concluded that the potential exposure to asbestos from some vermiculite products poses only a minimal health risk to consumers. The EPA recommended that consumers reduce the low risk associated with the occasional use of vermiculite during gardening activities by limiting the amount of dust produced during use. Specifically, the EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it; avoid bringing dust from vermiculite use into the home on clothing; and use premixed potting soil, which is less likely to generate dust.

The regulations described above and other actions, coupled with widespread public concern about the health hazards of asbestos, have resulted in a significant annual decline in U.S. use of asbestos. Domestic consumption of asbestos amounted to about 803,000 metric tons in 1973, but it had dropped to about 2,400 metric tons by 2005 (3, 5).
3. What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos?

People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems (6).

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (2, 3, 7, 8). Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Although rare, mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. In addition to lung cancer and mesothelioma, some studies have suggested an association between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, as well as an elevated risk for cancers of the throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder (3, 4). However, the evidence is inconclusive.

Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk of asbestosis (a chronic lung disease that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage) and other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques (changes in the membrane surrounding the lung), pleural thickening, and pleural effusions (abnormal collections of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lung and the wall of the chest cavity). Although pleural plaques are not precursors to lung cancer, evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by asbestos exposure may be at increased risk for lung cancer (9).
4. Who is at risk for an asbestos-related disease?

Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos. Health hazards from asbestos fibers have been recognized in workers exposed in shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, and a variety of other trades. Demolition workers, drywall removers, asbestos removal workers, firefighters, and automobile workers also may be exposed to asbestos fibers. However, recent studies do not support an increased risk of lung cancer or mesothelioma among automobile mechanics exposed to asbestos through brake repair (10). As a result of Government regulations and improved work practices, today’s workers (those without previous exposure) are likely to face smaller risks than did those exposed in the past.

Those involved in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup at the site of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City are another group at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Because asbestos was used in the construction of the North Tower of the WTC, when the building was attacked, hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the atmosphere. Those at greatest risk include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and volunteers who worked in the rubble at Ground Zero. Others at risk include residents in close proximity to the WTC towers and those who attended schools nearby. These populations will need to be followed to determine the long-term health consequences of their exposure (11).

One study found that nearly 70 percent of WTC rescue and recovery workers suffered new or worsened respiratory symptoms while performing work at the WTC site. The study describes the results of the WTC Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program, which was established to identify and characterize possible WTC-related health effects in responders. The study found that about 28 percent of those tested had abnormal lung function tests, and 61 percent of those without previous health problems developed respiratory symptoms (12). However, it is important to note that these symptoms may be related to exposure to debris components other than asbestos.

Although it is clear that health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear (2).

There is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. To decrease these exposures, Federal law regulates work practices to limit the possibility of asbestos being brought home in this way. Some employees may be required to shower and change their clothes before they leave work, store their street clothes in a separate area of the workplace, or wash their work clothes at home separately from other clothes (2).

Cases of mesothelioma have also been seen in individuals without occupational exposure, but who live close to asbestos mines or have been exposed to fibers carried home by family members working with asbestos (6).
5. What factors affect the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease?

Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including (2, 6):
* Dose (how much asbestos an individual was exposed to).
* Duration (how long an individual was exposed).
* Size, shape, and chemical makeup of asbestos fibers.
* Source of exposure.
* Individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung disease.

Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time (1, 2). All common commercial types of asbestos have been associated with lung cancer (13).
6. How does smoking affect risk?

Many studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a risk of developing lung cancer that is greater than the individual risks from asbestos and smoking added together (3, 6). There is evidence that quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers (4). Smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma (9). However, people who were exposed to asbestos on the job at any time during their life or who suspect they may have been exposed should not smoke.
7. How are asbestos-related diseases detected?

Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job, through the environment, or at home via a family contact should inform their doctor of their exposure history, whether or not they experience any symptoms. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after exposure. It is particularly important to check with a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop (6):
* Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
* A persistent cough that gets worse over time.
* Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs.
* Pain or tightening in the chest.
* Difficulty swallowing.
* Swelling of the neck or face.
* Loss of appetite.
* Weight loss.
* Fatigue or anemia.

A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended. The chest x–ray is currently the most common tool used to detect asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any early signs of lung disease resulting from asbestos exposure (2).

Studies have shown that computed tomography (CT) (a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine) may be more effective than conventional chest x-rays at detecting asbestos-related lung abnormalities in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos (14).

A lung biopsy, which detects microscopic asbestos fibers in pieces of lung tissue removed by surgery, is the most reliable test to confirm the presence of asbestos-related abnormalities. A bronchoscopy is a less invasive test than a biopsy and detects asbestos fibers in material that is rinsed out of the lungs. It is important to note that these tests cannot determine how much asbestos an individual may have been exposed to or whether disease will develop (14). Asbestos fibers can also be detected in urine, mucus, or feces, but these tests are not reliable for determining how much asbestos may be in an individual’s lungs (2).
8. How can workers protect themselves from asbestos exposure?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a component of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and is the Federal agency responsible for health and safety regulations in maritime, construction, manufacturing, and service workplaces. OSHA established regulations dealing with asbestos exposure on the job, specifically construction work, shipyards, and general industry, that employers are required to follow. In addition, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), another component of the DOL, enforces regulations related to mine safety. Workers should use all protective equipment provided by their employers and follow recommended work practices and safety procedures. For example, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators that fit properly should be worn by workers when required.

Workers who are concerned about asbestos exposure in the workplace should discuss the situation with other employees, their employee health and safety representative, and their employers. If necessary, OSHA can provide more information or make an inspection. Regional offices of OSHA are listed in the "United States Government" section of a telephone directory’s blue pages (under "Department of Labor"). Regional offices can also be found at http://www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html on the Internet.

More information about asbestos is available on the OSHA Asbestos Web page, which has links to information about asbestos in the workplace, including what OSHA standards apply, the hazards of asbestos, evaluating asbestos exposure, and controls used to protect workers. This page is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asbestos/index.html on the Internet. OSHA’s national office can be contacted at:

Organization:
Office of Public Affairs
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor

Address:
Room N–3649
200 Constitution Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20210

Telephone:
202–693–1999
1–800–321–6742 (1–800–321–OSHA)

TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing callers):
1–877–889–5627

Internet Web site:
http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/index.html (workers’ page)

Mine workers can contact MSHA at:

Organization:

Office of Public Affairs
Mine Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor

Address:
21st Floor
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209

Telephone:
202–693–9400
1–800–746–1554

Internet Web site:

http://www.msha.gov
http://www.msha.gov/codeaphone/codeaphonenew.htm
(National Hazard Reporting Page)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is another Federal agency that is concerned with asbestos exposure in the workplace. NIOSH conducts asbestos-related research, evaluates work sites for possible health hazards, and makes exposure control recommendations. In addition, NIOSH distributes publications on the health effects of asbestos exposure and can suggest additional sources of information. NIOSH can be contacted at:

Organization:

Education and Information Division
Information Resources Branch
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Address:
Robert A. Taft Laboratories
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226

Telephone:
1–800–356–4674 (1–800–35–NIOSH)

E-mail:
eidtechinfo@cdc.gov

Internet Web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh

9. What programs are available to help individuals with asbestos-related diseases?

Some people with asbestos-related illness may be eligible for Medicare coverage. Information about benefits is available from Medicare’s Regional Offices, located in 10 major cities across the United States and serving specific geographic areas. The Regional Offices serve as the agency’s initial point of contact for beneficiaries, health care providers, state and local governments, and the general public. Contact information for each Regional Office can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/RegionalOffices on the Internet. General information about Medicare is available by calling toll-free 1–800–633–4227 (1–800–MEDICARE) or visiting http://www.medicare.gov on the Internet.

People with occupational asbestos-related diseases also may qualify for financial help, including medical payments, under state workers’ compensation laws. Because eligibility requirements vary from state to state, workers employed by private companies or by state and local government agencies should contact their state workers’ compensation board. Contact information for state workers’ compensation officials may be found in the blue pages of a local telephone directory or at http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/wc.htm on the Internet.

If exposure occurred during employment with a Federal agency, medical expenses and other compensation may be covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Program, which is administered by the DOL, Employment Standards Administration’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. This program provides workers’ compensation benefits to Federal (civilian) employees for employment-related injuries and diseases. Benefits include wage replacement, payment for medical care, and, where necessary, medical and vocational rehabilitation assistance in returning to work. Benefits may also be provided to dependents if the injury or disease causes the employee’s death. The program has 12 district offices nationwide.

In addition, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program provides benefits to longshoremen, harbor workers, other maritime workers, and other classes of private industry workers who are injured during the course of employment or suffer from diseases caused or worsened by conditions of employment. Information about eligibility and how to file a claim for benefits under either of these programs is available from:

Organization:
Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs
Employment Standards Administration
U.S. Department of Labor

Address:

Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20210

Telephone:

1–866–692–7487 (1–866–OWCPIVR)
202–693–0040
(Federal Employees’ Compensation Program)
202–693–0038
(Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program)

E-mail:

OWCP-Public@dol.gov

Internet Web site:

http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp_org.htm

Eligible veterans may receive health care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center for an asbestos-related disease. Veterans can receive treatment for service-connected and nonservice-connected medical conditions. Information about eligibility and benefits is available from the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1–877–222–8387 (1–877–222–VETS) or on the VA Web site at http://www1.va.gov/health on the Internet.
10. Is there legislation to help victims of asbestos-related health diseases?

No Federal legislation has been enacted yet to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases or to protect people from asbestos exposure. However, in 2005, the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution (FAIR) Act (Senate bill 852) was introduced into Congress (15). This bill would create a national trust fund to compensate victims suffering from asbestos-related diseases. The proposed trust fund would be administered by the DOL, outside of the courts, through a claims process whereby all those with certain medical symptoms and evidence of asbestos-related disease would be compensated. Funding for the trust would come from insurance companies and companies that mined, manufactured, and sold asbestos or asbestos products. Under the bill, individuals affected by asbestos exposure would no longer be able to pursue awards for damages in any Federal or state court.
11. What other organizations offer information related to asbestos exposure?

The organizations listed below can provide more information about asbestos exposure.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is the principal Federal agency responsible for evaluating the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances. The agency works in close collaboration with local, state, and other Federal agencies, with tribal governments, and with communities and local health care providers to help prevent or reduce harmful human health effects from exposure to hazardous substances. The ATSDR provides information about asbestos and where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. The ATSDR can be contacted at:

Organization:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Address:

1825 Century Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30345

Telephone:
1–800–232–4636 (1–800–CDC–INFO)

TTY:
1-888-232-6348

E-mail:
cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Internet Web site:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the general public’s exposure to asbestos in buildings, drinking water, and the environment. The EPA offers a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Hotline and an Asbestos Ombudsman. The TSCA Hotline provides technical assistance and information about asbestos programs implemented under the TSCA, which include the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. The Asbestos Ombudsman focuses on asbestos in schools and handles questions and complaints. Both the TSCA Hotline and the Asbestos Ombudsman can provide publications on a number of topics, particularly on controlling asbestos exposure in schools and other buildings. The Ombudsman operates a toll-free hotline for small businesses, trade associations, and others seeking free, confidential help.

The EPA Web site includes a list of EPA regional and state asbestos contacts at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/regioncontact.html on the Internet. In addition, EPA’s Asbestos and Vermiculite home page provides information about asbestos and its health effects and links to asbestos resources, including suggestions for homeowners who suspect asbestos in their homes, and laws and regulations applicable to asbestos. This page can be found at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/ on the Internet. Questions may be directed to:

Organization:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA West Building
National Program Chemicals Division

Address:
Mail Code 7404T
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20460

TSCA Hotline:
202–554–1404
TTY: 202–554–0551

Asbestos Ombudsman:
1–800–368–5888

E-mail:
tsca-hotline@epa.gov

Internet Web site:

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

Another EPA resource that may be of interest is the brochure titled Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers. Released in April 2007, this brochure includes work practices for both automotive professionals and home mechanics that may be used to avoid asbestos exposure. It also summarizes existing OSHA regulatory requirements for professional auto mechanics. The brochure supersedes the EPA’s existing Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics, which is known as the "Gold Book." The brochure can be found at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/brakesbrochure.html on the Internet.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products, including asbestos, under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC maintains a toll-free 24-hour hotline where callers can obtain product safety and other agency information and report unsafe products. In addition, CPSC publications provide guidelines for repairing and removing asbestos, and general information about asbestos in the home. CPSC can be contacted at:

Organization:
Office of Information and Public Affairs
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Address:
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

Telephone:
1–800–638–2772
TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing callers): 1–800–638–8270

E-mail:
info@cpsc.gov

Internet Web site:
http://www.cpsc.gov

Individuals can also contact their local or state health department with questions or concerns about asbestos.

Information about cancer is available by calling the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237) or by visiting the NCI’s Web site at http://www.cancer.gov on the Internet. The NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health. Information about quitting smoking, including smoking cessation counseling, is available by calling the NCI’s Smoking Quitline toll-free at 1–800–44U–QUIT (1–800–448–7848) or visiting the NCI’s smoking cessation Web site at http://www.smokefree.gov on the Internet.

Selected References

1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (April 2006). What Is Asbestos? Retrieved August 30, 2006, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/more_about_asbestos/what_is_asbestos.

2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (September 2001). Public Health Statement for Asbestos. Retrieved August 30, 2006, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs61.html.

3. National Toxicology Program. Report on Carcinogens. Eleventh Edition. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program, 2005.

4. Ullrich RL. Etiology of cancer: Physical factors. In: DeVita VT Jr., Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, editors. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. Vol. 1 and 2. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2004.

5. Virta RL (January 2006). Mineral Commodity Summaries: Asbestos. U.S. Geological Survey Minerals Information. Retrieved August 30, 2006, from: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/asbestos/asbesmcs06.pdf.

6. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (June 2006). Asbestos: Health Effects. Retrieved August 30, 2006, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/asbestos/health_effects/index.html.

7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Health Effects Assessment for Asbestos. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1984. EPA/540/1-86/049 (NTIS PB86134608).

8. International Agency for Research on Cancer (March 1998). Asbestos. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, vol. 14. Lyon, France: Retrieved September 6, 2006, from: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol14/volume14.pdf.

9. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (November 2000). Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Asbestos Toxicity. Retrieved September 6, 2006, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/CSEM/asbestos/index.html.

10. Laden F, Stampfer MJ, Walker AM. Lung cancer and mesothelioma among male automobile mechanics: A review. Reviews on Environmental Health 2004; 19(1):39–61.

11. Landrigan PJ, Lioy PJ, Thurston G, et al. Health and environmental consequences of the World Trade Center disaster. Environmental Health Perspectives 2004; 112(6):731–739.

12. Herbert R, Moline J, Skloot G, et al. The World Trade Center disaster and the health of workers: Five-year assessment of a unique medical screening program. Environmental Health Perspectives 2006; 114(12):1853–1858.

13. Schrump DS, Altorki NK, Henschke CL, et al. Non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer of the lung. In: DeVita VT Jr., Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, editors. Principles and Practice of Oncology. Vol. 1 and 2. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2004.

14. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (June 2006). Asbestos: Working with Patients: Diagnosis. Retrieved August 30, 2006, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/medical_community/working_with_patients.

15. U.S. Congressional Budget Office (August 2005). Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate for S. 852, Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005. Retrieved August 30, 2006, from: http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/68xx/doc6881/s852.pdf.

# # #

Related Resources

Publications (available at http://www.cancer.gov/publications)

* National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet 6.36, Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers
* What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Larynx
* What You Need To Know About™ Kidney Cancer
* What You Need To Know About™ Lung Cancer

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Resources

Cancer Information Service (toll-free)
Telephone: 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237)
TTY: 1–800–332–8615

Online
NCI’s Web site: http://www.cancer.gov
LiveHelp, NCI’s live online assistance:
https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/livehelp/welcome.asp

Source

Types of Lung Cancer

2007-10-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

There are two major types of lung cancers, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under a microscope. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently.

Lung cancer refers to malignant tumors that originate in the lung itself. A cancer of lung lining or pleura is called mesothelioma and is a different type of cancer.

Small cell lung cancer
About 20 out of every 100 lung cancers diagnosed are small cell lung cancer Which is so called because the cancer cells are small cells that are mostly filled with the nucleus (the control centre of cells). Small cell cancer can also be called 'oat cell' cancer. This type of cancer is usually always caused by smoking. It is not common for someone who has never smoked to develop it. Small cell lung cancer often spreads quite early so doctors often suggest treatment with chemotherapy rather than surgery.

Non-small cell lung cancer
There are three types of non-small cell lung cancer. These are grouped together because they behave in a similar way and respond to treatment differently to small cell lung cancer. The three types are:

• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma
• Large cell carcinoma

Secondary cancer is cancer that has spread from somewhere else in the body. There are quite a few different cancers that can spread to the lungs, including breast cancer and bowel cancer.

It is important to know what you are dealing with so that you can find the right information. The choice of cancer treatment depends on where the cancer started. When cancer spreads to the lung from the breast, the cells are breast cancer cells, not lung cancer cells. So they respond to breast cancer treatments. And cancer that has spread from the bowel should respond to bowel cancer treatments.

Find out more about:
Small Cell Lung Cancer Mesothelioma
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma

Source

Years to Develop

2007-10-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is characterized by having a long latency period, which means that symptoms do not develop until 20-50 years after exposure to what caused it. The average age at which symptoms usually begin to appear is around 60 years old. It is estimated that about 3,000 to 4,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each years in the US. The number of cases reported each year is increasing.

Among men 55 years and older, a possible reason for the current increase in diagnosed cases is due to asbestos use in their work environment. Since the 1930's, asbestos has been used primarily in factories, shipyards, and other industrial settings. It was not until 1973 that work places began reducing asbestos exposure. The cases now being seen have developed many years after a worker's first exposure to asbestos back in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Source

Mesothelioma - Cancer of the Lung Lining

2007-10-22T07:45:00.001-07:00

Mesothelioma is a very rare form of lung cancer that arises in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is made up of parietal and visceral membranes, thin layers of tissue, which surround organs and body cavities, such as the lungs or abdomen. The visceral membrane immediately surrounds the organ, and the parietal membrane is a sac covering the visceral membrane. The visceral and parietal membranes that make up the mesothelium. This fluid helps organs move easily among surrounding structures. In the case of the lung, it helps reduce friction between the lung and chest wall during normal breathing as the lung expands.

The mesothelioma is referred to by different names, depending on what part of the body it is found in. In the abdomen, it is called the peritoneum, in the lungs, the pleura, and in the heart, the pericardium. These correspond to peritoneum mesothelioma (cancer of the abdomen/stomach), pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) and pericardium mesothelioma.

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Mesotheliona Clinical Trials

2007-10-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

In order to one day find a mesothelioma cure, doctors engage in clinical trials where they test new mesothelioma drugs to determine the if they are effective.

Mesothelioma clinical trials follow a plan of very strict scientific guidelines, which is called a protocol. The protocol explains everything that will happen in the study. It must be approved by review boards made up of health care professionals and other qualified people before the study can enroll patients.

When a potential mesothelioma drug is first identified, preclinical studies, which are conducted in a laboratory setting, help to find out whether the drug is safe to test in humans. During this stage, the drug is usually studied in animals to answer questions about how a drug works and how the body changes and disposes of it. Humans do not participate in preclinical studies. There are four possible phases of cancer clinical trials in humans, each designed to answer different questions about the treatment being studies.

In Phase I mesothelioma clinical trials, doctors are primarily studying the safety of giving mesothelioma drugs to humans, while also looking for the best way to give a medication (for example, as a pill, an injection, or an infusion). They will usually study how the mesothelioma drug is eliminated from the body in humans. Also, doctors are trying to find the right doses for further testing. They carefully watch for any side effects. Phase I study drugs are usually given to small groups of humans. During this phase, for drugs used to treat mesothelioma cancer, investigators may be able to find out which tumors a treatment works best in.

In Phase II mesothelioma clinical trials, the mesothelioma drug is studies in a larger group. The primary purpose of these studies is to see how well the drug or treatment shrinks tumors in patients with specific types of cancer. The investigator will watch closely for side effects and will also watch how the disease responds to the treatment.

In Phase III mesothelioma clinical trials, the new cancer treatment is generally compared to a standard existing treatment. Patients are usually randomly assigned (that is, a process similar to flipping a coin is used to determine which treatment the patient receives) to receive either a standard treatment or the new treatment. During the trial, patients may or may not be told which treatment they are getting but are told what to expect and what to watch for. Occasionally, even the doctor will not know which treatment each patient is getting so that he or she can remain unbiased about how the disease is responding to the treatment. (This is uncommon in cancer clinical trials). Phase III studies are designed to ensure that any side effects that patients experience are identified treated according to local standards of care.

Phase IV mesothelioma clinical trials study a drug that has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Drug companies often sponsor these trials to study even more uses of drugs already available.

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Mesotheliona Staging

2007-10-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma tend to grow and spread in unusual ways compared to other tumors. Rather than forming a "lump", mesothelioma tends to extent from the pleural lining to press against the lung or abdominal organs. It also grows along the pleural lining, eventually forming a hard casing around the lung and making it difficult for patients to take a deep breath. Mesothelioma generally does not spread widely to other organs but, rather, tends to extensively involve the chest and lungs or abdominal cavity before spreading to other distant organs, late in the course of the disease.

If the disease is detected early, when only limited growth on the pleural lining has occurred (stage I), the tumor is considered potentially curable and an attempt can be made to surgically remove the entire tumor. Usually, however, the tumor is detected later, when it more extensively involves the pleural lining and has possibly invaded surrounding normal structures. In these advanced stages (stages II, III and IV), the cancer significantly impacts the quality of life.

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Mesotheliona Symptoms and Diagnosis

2007-10-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma Symptoms
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are difficulty in breathing, chest pain, or both. Occasionally, a patient may not have mesothelioma symptoms at diagnosis. Other less common symptoms include weight loss, fever, night sweats, cough, and a general feeling of not being well. Mesothelioma symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include swelling, pain due to accumulation of fluid in the abdomen cavity, weight loss, and a mass in the abdomen. Other mesothelioma symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia (a lowered red blood cell count), and fever.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because many of the mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions, including lung cancer and other types of cancers. At the time of diagnosis, your doctor will first do a physical examination and complete a medical history, including asking about the possibility of prior exposure to asbestos.

Although there is no early detection test for mesothelioma, there are several tests that can be used to help in making the diagnosis of mesothelioma, including a chest x-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI scan. A chest x-ray yields an image of the lungs that will show many types of abnormal changes. A CT scan (computed tomography) is a type of x-ray, but it uses a computer rather than film to create detailed images.

An MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer but does not utilize radiation to create a clear image. These tests help your doctor differentiate mesothelioma from other lung tumors as well as determine where the tumor is and its size.

Your doctor may need to remove a tissue sample from the tumor (a biopsy) or draw fluid (aspirate) from it to confirm it to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done in several ways.

The simplest way to obtain tissue samples involving making a small incision and placing a flexible tube in the area of the tumor. This is called a thoracoscopy if it is done in the chest area. A laparoscopy is the same procedure, but done in the abdominal cavity. A tube that is that is attached to a video camera is placed so that the doctor can look inside the body. A tissue sample may be taken at the same time. Sometimes, however, a more extensive surgical procedure may be advisable. A thoracotomy can be done to open the chest to take a tissue sample and, if feasible, to remove most or all of the visible tumor. If this procedure is done in the abdominal cavity, it is called a laparotomy.

At other times, a mediastinoscopy may be done in which a very small incision is made just above the sternum (breast bone) and a tube inserted just behind the breast bone. This lets the doctors look at lymph nodes. This are small, bean-shaped structures that are an important part of the body's immune system, and they contain cells that help your body fight infection as well as cancer. This test will give the doctor more information on the type of cancer and whether it has spread to other areas. The tissue samples taken in these procedures are analyzed by looking at them under a microscope in order to determine whether the tumor is a mesothelioma or some other type of cancer.

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The Claimants vs. The Asbestos Industry

2007-10-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

Battalions of asbestos attorneys, paralegals, investigators, doctors, academics, claims managers, claims adjusters and the like count on asbestos litigation for all or a substantial portion of their income. The way in which the litigation has unfolded in the past couple of decades has created certain distortions in the way the "system", if it can be called that, works. These distortions do not, generally, play out in favor of mesothelioma victims, who are the most severely injured of those unfortunate enough to have been exposed to asbestos. Remember, those individuals who have uncontested diagnoses of mesothelioma have highly meritorious cases: in addition to the severity of the disease process, the fact is that the only known cause of the disease is asbestos exposure (smoking, for example, has nothing whatsoever to do with it) and the level of exposure required is quite low, especially comparison to the level of exposure required for a disease like asbestosis.

In the vast majority of the early, pioneering cases in the asbestos litigation, however, the plaintiffs were claiming non-malignant diseases (as is the case today). The two categories were scarring of the internal tissue of the lung (asbestosis) and scarring of the lining of the chest cavity (pleural scarring, also referred to as pleural thickening, pleural plaques or pleural encasement, depending on the manifestation of the scarring). The plaintiffs in these early cases were asbestos insulation workers (also commonly called "pipecoverers" or "insulators") who worked at construction sites such as power stations, chemical plants and refineries, and workers who performed the same sorts of tasks in shipyards (commonly called "laggers"). It soon developed that steam fitters and other trades also had very high rates of disease, and those unions were accordingly screened as well, resulting in further influxes of claims into various state and federal court systems throughout the country. This brings us up to the early 1980s.

By the beginning of 1982, it was beginning to become clear that the asbestos-related legal liabilities of the American construction products industry and their insurance companies were going to be mind-boggling. There had been other, massive influxes of product liability personal injury cases before (the most notable up to that time was probably DES, a morning-sickness remedy that caused birth defects to the children of the mothers who took it), but nothing on this scale. Excess level insurance companies (an excess policy for a business is something akin to the "umbrella" coverage offered to individuals on home and/or automobile policies) with low reserves suddenly found themselves being told to fork over millions, which they sometimes couldn't come up with. (A rough analogy with automobile insurance would be if every insured driver in the country, on the same day, got into a massive accident — the system would collapse, because its financial foundations were engineered under the premise that most policyholders don't get into accidents, at least not at the same time). What is remarkable about all this, at least today, is that this was almost entirely based on non-malignant cases — mesothelioma and lung cancer cases comprised a small fraction of the total claims (there are, for example, only about 2500 mesothelioma cases diagnosed per year in the United States).

It is important to remember that the plaintiffs in these cases had, for the most part, sustained extremely heavy occupational exposure to asbestos from the end of (or for the shipyard plaintiffs, during) the Second World War until the early to mid-1970s. Severe asbestosis and severe pleural thickening or encasement are horrendously debilitating diseases, in which the victim is essentially strangled, over a long period of time, by his own lung tissue. In addition, these diseases, after the onset of significant findings on X-ray and pulmonary function testing, are generally progressive — you keep getting worse, even though the asbestos exposure has stopped. As a result, at least in some parts of the country, verdicts in these cases tended to be quite large, even in cases where the objective findings of disease were arguably minimal or hotly contested.

The handwriting was on the wall. The first significant defendant to bail out was Unarco, which filed for bankruptcy in early 1982. Unarco's liability was primarily based on the Unibestos product line, which it had sold to Pittsburgh Corning in 1962. This was not considered, at the time, to be a particularly significant event, as the assets and insurance coverage of Unarco had been limited. Later in 1982, however, Johns-Manville filed for bankruptcy protection. This sent shock waves throughout the country and, in fact, the world, as Johns-Manville was a gargantuan, diversified and quite profitable Fortune 500 company with a healthy balance sheet, so long as the asbestos liabilities were kept off it.

What allowed J-M to pull this off was an obscure change in the bankruptcy laws. Under the old bankruptcy law, debts, such as personal injury liabilities, could only be discharged (i.e., eliminated) if they were liquidated. This means that the debt has been reduced to a sum certain. If you owe American Express ten thousand bucks, that is a liquidated debt. If Paula Jones is suing you for pulling your pants down, that is most assuredly not a liquidated debt, as the amount of money a jury might award (which would be the amount of the debt) is currently unknown. Asbestos personal injury claims, such as those for mesothelioma, are unliquidated until there is a jury verdict. What the new law did was allow liable companies to limit or eliminate liabilities for unliquidated personal injury claims. Since the J-M bankruptcy, a number of significant asbestos defendants have also sought or been forced into bankruptcy protection, including Keene, Eagle-Picher and Celotex. Meanwhile, bankruptcy has been used as a shield by companies in other mass-product liability contexts, such as A.H. Robbins (Dalkon Shield IUD) and Dow-Corning (silicone gel breast implants).

As the litigation has progressed through the 1980s and into the 1990s, the trend of what are called "mass settlements" has emerged. This is only logical, as claims that are grouped by the thousand have to be handled en masse — there is no other way. This type of settlement comes into being when an attorney or law firm representing a large number of asbestos plaintiffs reaches at least a tacit agreement with an asbestos company on what certain types of cases are worth, and what that company's share of that payment should be. A system falls into place where, for each claimant, the attorney submits medical records and evidence of exposure to that company's product, and the company evaluates this submission and writes a check, generally based on the type and severity of the disease the plaintiff has. This is generally done on a "matrix," where, for example, the company will pay x dollars for a mesothelioma, y dollars for a lung cancer, z dollars for asbestosis, and so forth. These types of settlements started to take place relatively early in the litigation with boiler manufacturers and gasket/packing manufacturers whose share of the total liability in many cases was considered (not always correctly) to be much lower than that of the thermal insulation manufacturers.

By settling in this manner, these companies were able to accomplish two objectives. First, they were able to contain and project their total liability based on a past history of amount paid per claim and the mix of claims (how many mesothelioma versus lung cancer versus non-malignancy claims). These are two very important concepts for figuring out the dynamics at work, and they will be revisited later. Second, the companies saved the costs of defending the cases, which include attorneys' fees, expert witness and consulting fees, and other miscellaneous expenditures. These are what are known as "transaction costs," yet another concept that drives the asbestos litigation machine.

What the companies gave up in exchange for these items was the opportunity to scrutinize and evaluate the merits of each claim, which results in some weaker claims being paid where perhaps that claim would not have been successful under the harsh light of the court system. This is not so bad for the companies, though, because although some weak claims are getting paid, the quid pro quo is that a few stronger claims, which could conceivably result in serious liability, are being disposed for a set, relatively low amount, especially when compared with what a jury might be inclined to do.

There are also important advantages to most plaintiffs with these arrangements. The plaintiff gets some cash quickly, which is important when you have big medical bills to pay. Even plaintiffs with mesothelioma have traditionally done well under these types of arrangements, because the serious liability and correspondingly high settlements and verdicts on those cases traditionally came from the manufacturers of thermal insulation, sprayed fireproofing, and other industrial construction products. Those manufacturers did not, generally, undertake mass settlements until later in the litigation.

In the meantime, other developments were taking place. In 1985-86, most of the leading defendants in the litigation, along with their insurance companies, formed an entity called the Asbestos Claims Facility, or ACF (also known as the "Wellington Group"). The idea was to pool resources in order to litigate and settle claims as a group. This entity dominated the litigation, but only for a couple of years. Internal disputes arose, which was really not surprising. Owens-Corning dropped out of the Asbestos Claims Facility in the Fall of 1988, followed closely by Eagle-Picher Industries. The ACF officially dissolved shortly thereafter, leaving some of the original members to re-form into the Center for Claims Resolution, or CCR (for more on this, see the GAF article). Johns-Manville, in bankruptcy since 1982, emerged in 1988 as the "Manville Personal Injury Compensation Fund," settled a whole pile of cases and then ran out of money again (the Fund now pays ten cents on the dollar). Eagle-Picher settled all its remaining cases and went into bankruptcy in 1989; Celotex, Keene and H.K. Porter (a cloth manufacturer) all went into bankruptcy in 1990. A somewhat different twist was executed by Raymark, who had founded a company called Raytech to take over the assets of Raymark without the asbestos liabilities. The courts did not buy it, and Raytech filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter.

In 1990, an entity made up of federal judges, called the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation stayed (that is, froze, for the time being) all asbestos cases pending in federal courts around the country. These cases were then all transferred to a single judge in Philadelphia for all further proceedings except trial. This is what is known as "the MDL." This effectively brought much of the asbestos litigation in the country to a grinding halt. Plaintiffs' law firms turned around and started filing cases in the state courts, where the MDL Panel had no jurisdiction, but it would take several years, both for the cases to start to come to trial (at least in most states) and for the state court systems to get geared up to organize and manage the cases.

It was against this backdrop that the next developments came about. The CCR defendants attempted, in cooperation with some plaintiffs' attorneys, to fashion an involuntary "class action" that would take their claims out of the court system and force plaintiffs to settle for varying amounts under something like the "matrix" payments used in settlement agreements. This scheme, known as the "Georgine" class action, was bitterly opposed by many plaintiffs' attorneys as unfair to their clients, and was eventually (last year) thrown out by the United States Supreme Court, putting all the claims against the CCR defendants back into the court system.

In a parallel development, other major defendants in the litigation began to negotiate mass settlements with plaintiffs' attorneys, along the lines discussed previously, but with more bells and whistles. Some, for example, contain a provision that the plaintiffs' attorney, in future cases, is bound to recommend to his or her individual clients that they accept the settlement amounts set forth in the agreement — if the client refuses, the attorney is required to tell that client that he will have to find another lawyer (in many locales, asbestos plaintiffs' attorneys had virtual monopolies, until recently). Furthermore, under such an agreement, the attorney is forbidden from accepting a referral fee for sending that client to another attorney! This is no doubt intended to give the plaintiffs' attorney the needed incentive to make quite sure that every one of his or her clients accepts the settlement amount under the agreement. Of course, in many instances, the client is not aware that the attorney's recommendation to settle that client's case is based not only on the attorney's skill, knowledge and experience, but also on the fact that the attorney is contractually bound by an agreement (that may predate this attorney-client relationship) to recommend that particular amount. As the settlement agreements of this type may also contain a confidentiality clause, the client is generally not told about the terms (or even the existence) of the agreement. This is problematic when the agreement is with a defendant who may have a major chunk of the liability in a given case.

There is another problem with these types of arrangements as they relate to plaintiffs in mesothelioma cases. Generally, these are the cases that the asbestos companies fear. Most plaintiffs' asbestos attorneys, however, have a full range of cases, from clients suffering with mesothelioma (the strongest cases) to clients with minimal non-malignant disease (the weakest). As one might expect, there are often far more weak cases in a given attorney's inventory than there are strong ones. When a plaintiffs' attorney is negotiating a mass settlement of his or her entire "inventory" of cases with an asbestos company (or, as used to be more common, a settlement of a group of cases scheduled together for discovery and trial), the mesothelioma cases can wind up being used as leverage to increase the amounts paid on the weaker cases. The problem with this, of course, is that if a company is willing to pay extra money to settle mesothelioma cases, that money should logically go to the clients with mesothelioma, not the clients with minimal bilateral pleural scarring. The result of all this, theoretically, is that the mesothelioma cases wind up with less than they would if they were standing alone, and the weaker non-malignancy cases wind up with correspondingly more. Again, this is a problem when these types of agreements are used to settle with a defendant that has a major share of the liability in a given case or group of cases.

Yet another problem arises with the provisions under these agreements for future cases. There have been allegations raised that certain law firms have been sponsoring and continue to sponsor mass medical screenings of workers with minimal asbestos exposure, in order to ram these cases through settlement agreements, and in order to generate leverage to reach other settlement agreements. It has also been alleged that this is being done with medical professionals who are perhaps more pliable than they should be in grading x-rays and conducting Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) to diagnose asbestosis. The Manville Trust has used these allegations as a pretext to audit virtually all of its asbestosis claims, tying up compensation payments, and some PFT labs have been sued by asbestos companies, who have alleged fraudulent test results. While none of this has a direct application to mesothelioma cases (nobody has ever figured out how to fake one of those), it could have an indirect application, because the resources of the asbestos companies eaten up defending and settling questionable non-malignant cases will obviously not be available to compensate those individuals with mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, the "solutions" to the asbestos litigation that have been proposed, such as the Georgine class action and legislation pending in Congress, victimize all persons with asbestos related injuries, including those with mesothelioma, lung cancer and disabling non-malignant conditions, by cutting off access to the courts, and substituting panels of doctors and bureaucrats who will be oriented toward the asbestos industry.

Recently, a coalition called The Asbestos Alliance, which includes The National Association of Manufacturers and is allied with certain lawyers who represent mesothelioma victims has been urging Congress to prohibit the filing and litigation of marginal non-malignant claims. The idea is to preserve the assets of the remaining defendants to compensate mesothelioma and other cancer victims.

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Mesothelioma Legal Process

2007-10-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

The lawsuit is the means provided by our legal system for a person who believes that he or she has been injured by the misconduct of another person (or corporation) can seek compensation for those injuries from the person or corporation that committed the misconduct. The person seeking compensation is called the plaintiff — the person or company that compensation is being sought from is called the defendant. If the plaintiff has been wronged by the misconduct of more than one person or company, then the plaintiff must sue more than one defendant. Asbestos cases will sometimes have as many as forty or more defendants, because the plaintiff may have been exposed, over the course of his or her career, to asbestos from products made by many different manufacturers.

The lawsuit begins when the plaintiff files a document called a complaint in court. The complaint will identify all the defendants and contain statements (called "allegations," because they have not yet been proven to be true in a court of law) of what the defendants did wrong, and how that wrongful conduct has harmed the plaintiff. Copies of the complaint are served, or delivered, to each defendant, to put them on notice that they are being sued. Each defendant then has a certain amount of time (usually thirty days) to file a document known as an answer. The answer will contain statements that either admit or deny (the important allegations are always denied) the allegations contained in the complaint. The answer will also contain any affirmative defenses that the defendant wishes to assert, and these will be in the form of allegations. For example, the defendants in an asbestos case may allege (make an allegation) that the plaintiff did not file his or her lawsuit before the deadline (called the statute of limitations) established by law. The plaintiff then files another document called a reply. The reply will admit or deny allegations contained in the defendant's affirmative defenses. The complaint, answer and reply are called pleadings.

The burden of proof in a civil lawsuit is a "fair preponderance of the evidence," which essentially means that the party (the plaintiff and defendants are called "parties") with the burden of proving the truth of an allegation must prove it more likely than not that the facts contained in the allegation are true. Each party has the burden of proof on its own allegations. So the plaintiff has the burden of proving the facts alleged in the complaint and denied in the answer, and the defendant has the burden of proving the facts alleged in the affirmative defenses and denied in the reply.

Once the lawsuit is begun, by filing the complaint, the plaintiff and defendant can engage in discovery, where each side learns facts available to the other side. Because much (but not all) of the discovery against the asbestos companies was done years ago in other cases, the discovery process generally involves the plaintiff and the plaintiff's lawyer providing information to the defendants. This information is provided in three forms. First, the plaintiff must answer a standardized set of written questions (called interrogatories) that must be answered in writing, under oath, with the assistance of the plaintiff's attorney. Second, the plaintiff must sign written authorization for the defendant to obtain the plaintiff's medical records directly from the hospitals or doctors that have given the plaintiff medical treatment. Often, there are also authorizations to obtain Social Security records of where the plaintiff has worked, and the plaintiff's military records, if any. The third, and often most critical item of discovery is called the deposition. In his home or in a lawyer's office, the attorneys for the asbestos companies are permitted to directly ask the plaintiff questions. The plaintiff, who will always have his or her lawyer present, must answer the questions (unless they are improper, in which case the plaintiff lawyer will object and instruct the plaintiff not to answer) under oath. There will be a stenographer present, who will make a typewritten transcript of all the questions, answers, objections and so forth. Sometimes, the plaintiff's own attorney will be asking the questions, in order to preserve the plaintiff's testimony. Often, these types of depositions are recorded on videotape, to be played at trial.

Once the discovery process and pleading process are completed, the case is ready for trial, and a trial will be scheduled by the court. Generally cases are tried in the order that they are filed, but many court systems have an expedited trial calendar for living persons with malignancies. The scheduling of a trial will depend on the backlog of other cases. In some jurisdictions, trials of living malignancy cases are scheduled within months of the complaint being filed. In other kinds of cases, or in other jurisdictions, it can take years.
Two Types of Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits are divided into two categories — one, where the person suffering from mesothelioma is living and is bringing the lawsuit as a plaintiff in his or her own individual capacity; the second, where the person with mesothelioma has died, and the plaintiff is a spouse, relative and/or representative of the deceased person's estate. The former is called a personal injury lawsuit (a "living case"), the latter is called wrongful death lawsuit (or "death case"), and the laws and procedures that apply to them can be quite different, depending on what jurisdiction the case is filed in.

In the case of the living plaintiff, the most important factor is time. The attorney will come to the plaintiff's home and gather the information necessary to file the lawsuit and answer the interrogatories. This will probably take several sessions. Then, in most cases, there will be one or two depositions of the plaintiff, depending on what the local procedures are. Once the deposition(s) are done, the plaintiff's attorney does the rest, until it is time to go to trial.

In the case where the person who would normally be the plaintiff is deceased, a court-appointed individual (usually the spouse or a close relative) stands in as the plaintiff, and the injuries claimed include the loss of life itself. The most important part of a death case is finding persons who remember working with the plaintiff, to provide the work history and product exposure testimony that the deceased individual (called the "decedent") would have provided were he or she still living. The interrogatory answers are done and signed by the actual plaintiff, and that person may or may not have to give a deposition. Sometimes the co-workers must give depositions as well. As in the living case, at that point the lawyer takes over and prepares the case for trial.
Trial/Settlement

This is the end stage. Most cases settle before there is any actual trial testimony in court, but often a jury has to be picked and be ready to hear the case before there is a settlement (the composition of the jury can effect the settlement value of the case). Generally, where there are multiple defendants, different defendants will settle at different stages, and some will hold out to the end. Often, where there is trial, it will only be against one or two defendants.

Trial preparation is the most intense pressure cooker that a litigation attorney can be involved in, other than perhaps the trial itself. Often, the plaintiff, shunted off to a hotel room or waiting room at the courthouse, can feel lost or ignored. This is unfortunate but inevitable. The hours leading up to trial are when the case is most likely to settle, so the attorneys are simultaneously negotiating and preparing to go to war, which can result in some stress.

If the case goes to trial and the jury renders a verdict, that is not the end of the line. Either side can file an appeal, claiming that the jury found against them because of a mistake made by the judge at the trial. Cases often settle while they are on appeal as well.
Payment of Compensation

In asbestos litigation, settlement payments often take place months after the settlement is agreed to. This is because the defendants or insurance companies that are writing the checks are also writing checks on thousands or tens of thousands of other cases. Also, settlements may need to be approved by underwriters at places like Lloyd's of London, where much of the world's commercial reinsurance is written (for more on this, see Asbestos Litigation History). Some payments come in several months after the settlement is reached, some payments will be more than a year later. Unfortunately, because of defendants filing for bankruptcy, some won't come in at all (at least until a bankruptcy trust starts paying out, which is sometimes years later). Some settlements can be in more than one payment.

Out of the gross amount of each settlement, the plaintiff's attorneys will deduct the attorneys' fee, which is usually between thirty-three and forty per cent of the total. Out-of-pocket lawsuit expenses will also be deducted at this time. The remainder, sometimes described as the amount to which the plaintiff is entitled, goes to the plaintiff. Because the asbestos bankruptcies are so backlogged (especially with all the new ones, which have not even had claim procedures set up yet), the case will generally remain open for a number of years after the settlement of the case that was pending in court.

Amounts of settlements vary widely, not only from case to case but from region to region and state to state. Even different counties within the same state can have substantial differences in settlement values.

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Finding A Mesothelioma Specialist

2007-10-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

The following physicians are specialists in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. You will find links to their web sites, when available and to some of their published articles.They are listed in no particular order with no particular endorsement.

Mesothelioma is typically treated by an interdisciplinary team of doctors rather than by a single physician. You may run into professionals called oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and pulmonologists. Glossary of members of a thoracic oncology care team. More on choosing your mesothelioma doctor.

W. Roy Smythe, MD

Professor and Chairman/Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University System Health Sciences Center, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, TX
Phone: 254-724-2595

Dr. Smythe is currently accruing patients for a protocol involving extrapleural pneumonectomy and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). (Click here for an abstract of this trial).
Biography
Interview with Dr. Smythe
David C. Rice, MD

Assistant Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery; Director, Mesothelioma Program; Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, Thoracic Surgery/The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Phone: (713) 794-1477

Dr. Rice is currently concluding enrollment on a Phase II trial of extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) followed by Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). He is also anticipating the opening of a new trial of preoperative Alimta/Cisplatin, followed by EPP and IMRT.
Biography
David J. Sugarbaker, MD

Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA Chief, Department of Surgical Services/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 732-6824

Dr. Sugarbaker believes in aggressive treatment of pleural mesothelioma. He is a proponent of tri-modal therapy; extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.
Biography
Lambros Zellos, MD, MPH

Attending Thoracic Surgeon; Clinical Co-Director of the International Mesothelioma Program/Brigham & Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 525-9657

Dr. Zellos is an Attending Thoracic Surgeon and the Clinical Co-Director of the International Mesothelioma Program. Dr. Zellos is a proponent of tailored multimodality therapy for each individual patient. Appropriate therapy may include surgery such as pleurectomy or extrapleural pneumonectomy with chemotherapy or radiation. Dr. Zellos has published several papers on multimodality therapy as well as methods to improve surgical techniques.

Valerie W. Rusch, FACS

Attending Thoracic Surgeon/Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 639-5873

Dr. Rusch is known for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. She has published several papers comparing pleural decortication to extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Biography
Raja M. Flores, MD

Attending Thoracic Surgeon/Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 639-2806

Dr. Flores is currently the Principal Investigator on a clinical trial of neoadjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin followed by extrapleural pneumonectomy and high dose radiation, as well as being involved in a trial of neoadjuvant Alimta/cisplatin, extrapleural pneumonectomy and high dose radiation. He has also compiled a 1,000 patient database to research areas of failure, and how to improve treatments for mesothelioma.
Biography
Paul H. Sugarbaker, MD, FACS, FRCS

Director, Surgical Oncology/Washington Cancer Institute, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 877-3908

Dr. Sugarbaker is a specialist in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Brian W. Loggie, MD

Professor of Surgery, Creighton University Medical School; Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology; Director of Cancer Center/Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Phone: (402) 280-4100

Dr. Loggie specializes in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis. His protocol, based on eligibility, involves surgical debulking in combination with intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy.
Biography
David L. Bartlett, MD

Professor of Surgery, Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology/UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Pittsburgh, PA
Phone: (412) 692-2852

Dr. Bartlett has particular expertise in the management of advanced, complex abdominal malignancies. He also has a research interest in treating advanced carcinomas in the peritoneal cavity, including peritoneal mesothelioma.
Biography
Claire F. Verschraegen, MD

Director, Clinical Trial Office and Investigational Drug Program/Cancer Research and Treatment Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Phone: (505) 272-4551

Dr. Verschraegen is currently conducting a front-line Alimta/gemcitabine trial for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. She also offers the following Phase I trials for patients who have already been treated with Alimta:

* Phase I Study of Capecitabine with Cisplatin and Irinotecan in Patients with Advanced Malignancies

* Phase I Study of Intravenous TZT-1027 and Gemcitabine, Administered on Day 1 and Day 8 of a Three Week Course in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

* Phase I Study of Flavoperidol in Combination with Gemcitabine and Irinotecan in Patients with Metastatic Cancer

Biography
David P. Mason, MD

Staff Surgeon, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery/Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
Phone: (216) 444-4053

Dr. Mason is a proponent of aggressive multimodality therapy for malignant mesothelioma. This includes extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy and radiation with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Cleveland Clinic Foundation has a multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology team with extensive experience and clinical trials in the management of malignant mesothelioma.

Biography
David M. Jablons, MD

Assistant Professor of Surgery Chief, General Thoracic Surgery/UCSF Mt. Zion Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 885-3882

Dr. Jablons treats pleural mesothelioma with a radical pleurectomy/decortication and is researching other therapies.
Biography
Lary A. Robinson, MD

Director, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Principal Thoracic Surgical Oncologist/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 972-8412

Dr. Robinson is a member of the multidisciplinary thoracic oncology group at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center which evaluates and treats all stages of mesothelioma. He is also involved in clinical research programs for lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Biography
Craig W. Stevens, MD, PhD

Division Chief, Radiation Oncology/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute/Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 972-8424

Biography

Interview with Dr. Craig Stevens
Robert N. Taub, MD

Professor of Clinical Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 305-4076

Dr. Robert Taub is a medical oncologist who directs the Connective Tissue Oncology Program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, where there are a number of ongoing multimodality studies of patients with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. The Center is based at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Biography
Daniel Sterman, MD

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine/University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 614-0984

Dr. Sterman is the co-author of several informative articles on treatment and clinical trials for pleural mesothelioma.
Biography
Eric Vallieres, MD

Associate Professor of Surgery, Section of General Thoracic Surgery/University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 598-4477

Dr. Vallieres uses a multidisciplinary approach to thoracic malignancies and related clinical trials. Please see Medical Journal & News Articles for an article Dr. Vallieres co-authored on Induction Chemotherapy, Extra Pleural Pneumonectomy And Adjuvant Fast Neutron Radiationtherapy For Pleural Mesothelioma (Dmm).
Biography
Stephen C. Yang, MD

Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology/Surgical Director, Lung Transplantation Program/Director, Thoracic Oncology Program/Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
Phone: (410) 614-3891
Biography
Mark J. Krasna, MD

Medical Director of the Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center/Towson, MD
Phone: (410) 427-2220

Dr. Krasna is the former Head of the Division of Thoracic Surgery, Professor of Surgery and Associate Director for Surgical Oncology in the Greenebaum Cancer Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Dr. Krasna is a leader in the development of thoracic surgery. He is the author of the first textbook on thoracoscopic surgery and has instructed surgeons worldwide on his techniques.
Biography
David H. Harpole, Jr., MD

Associate Professor of Surgery, Thoracic Oncology Program/Assistant
Professor of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
Phone: (919) 668-8413
Biography
Harvey Pass, MD

Professor and Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery/NYU School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center/New York, NY
Phone: (212) 263-7417
Gregory P. Kalemkerian, MD

Co-Director of Thoracic Oncology/University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center/Ann Arbor, MI
Phone: (734) 936-5281

Dr. Kalemkerian directs the multidisciplinary thoracic oncology clinic at the University of Michigan Cancer Center, in addition to collaborating with the thoracic oncology team at Karmanos Cancer Institute, to develop novel clinical trials for mesothelioma patients.
Joseph S. Friedberg, MD

Chief of Thoracic Surgery/University of Pennsylvania at Presbyterian, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 662-9195

Dr. Friedberg is currently the Principal Investigator on a trial of photodynamic therapy for pleural malignancies, and also on a trial combining Alimta/cisplatin, surgery and XRT.
Robert Cameron, MD

UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (310) 794-7333

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Compensation for Mesothelioma

2007-10-17T07:13:00.001-07:00

As cases of mesothelioma increase, more and more claims and lawsuits are filed against the companies responsible for asbestos exposure. Consequently, there are now a large number of lawyers available that deal with mesothelioma lawsuits, sometimes on an exclusive basis. The amount of compensation varies from case to case, but the job of mesothelioma lawyers is to make these negligent companies pay their victims for the pain and suffering of this usually fatal disease.

Many people are unsure about how to file a claim for compensation. The process is relatively simple but you must act quickly in order to be eligible to claim. Most states set a time limit of one to two years for mesothelioma claims, and it is important to file your lawsuit within those time limitations in order to optimise your chances of getting compensation from these companies. The same applies to those who are seeking compensation for the death of a loved one from mesothelioma as well as those who have been affected by an asbestos related disease through close contact with a family member who has been exposed to it.

The first thing you need to do is find a mesothelioma lawyer. It is best to look for a lawyer or law firm that already has experience within the area of mesothelioma and has dealt with at least a few mesothelioma lawsuits. This will mean that the lawyer already has contacts within the field which may enable your case to be processed a little more smoothly.

An experienced lawyer will also be able to assist you with additional resources such as contacts for support. It is always worth asking the lawyer for some testimony of experience, such as the number of mesothelioma cases he has dealt with, how many of them were successful, what sort of compensation figures were successfully obtained, and why certain cases (if there are any) were not successful.

Many people are worried about how much all this is going to cost them, but in truth it won’t cost you a penny unless you are actually awarded compensation. Look for a lawyer that works on a contingency fee basis, as most mesothelioma lawyers do. This means that there is no upfront payment required from you and if the lawyer is unsuccessful in getting you compensation you will not have to pay anything at all.

If you do get compensation, your lawyer will take his fee from that, normally a percentage fee of around 35%. This may seem slightly high, but bearing in mind that many compensation claims run into hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars, this will still leave you with a hefty sun even after the lawyer has taken his percentage.

Once you have found a lawyer with whose fees and testimony you are satisfied, it will be time to go through all of the details with him. He’ll need to know all about your condition, the type of mesothelioma you have, whether it can be treated, whether you have been informed that it is terminal, when you were diagnosed etc. You will also need to provide details of when and where you were exposed to asbestos. However, many people cannot recall these details but the lawyer can assist by hiring someone to do the research and find this information. Again, you won’t have to pay for this service is the lawyer will foot the bill.

Based upon the details you provide, your lawyer can decide whether your claim is worth pursuing and what type of lawsuit should be filed (e.g. a lawsuit against a company, a manufacturer etc.). You will need to be totally honest and frank with your lawyer as well as passing information on to him in a timely manner because time will be a very important factor in getting you the compensation to which you are entitled.

You will now find many lawyers who advertise on the Internet as well as details in local phone directories. You will find that not only does the level of experience vary from lawyer to lawyer but so does the fee that they take from your compensation. The things to look out for most importantly are: that the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis; that the lawyer is experienced within the field of mesothelioma and not averse to providing testimony to this; and that the lawyer tells you upfront what his percentage will be when you get compensation.

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Asbestos Lawyer/Attorney

2007-10-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a disease that has been on the rise over recent years. As cases of the disease have started to increase, lawyers dealing specifically with mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits have come into operation. These lawyers and law firms deal, sometimes exclusively, with mesothelioma victims and their families who wish to claim compensation from the companies that were responsible for their exposure to asbestos. And mesothelioma lawsuits are often able to collect millions in compensation for the victims and their families.

Those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are entitled to file a lawsuit. Many of the companies responsible for exposing their employees to asbestos were well aware of the dangers and effects, but still saw fit to let their workers continue with little or no protection against the dust and fibers that emanated from this hazardous material. Now, decades later, the effects of this exposure is taking its toll on the workers just as they reach or are enjoying retirement. Quite rightly, the workers want to see justice done in the form of compensation, although this will never make up for the pain, suffering and loss of life that many of them have been sentenced to.

Many asbestos lawyers have dealt with numerous mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits and have a good deal of experience and knowledge about the disease. Those looking for an asbestos lawyer should hunt around for someone that has proven experience in the field. Most reputable lawyers will be only too happy to provide facts and figures on pervious cases. They cannot, of course, name names and intricate details as this would be a breach of confidentiality. However, they can provide you with details on how quickly cases were resolved, how much compensation was successfully obtained and how many mesothelioma lawsuits they have dealt with.

There are many asbestos lawyers in operation today, and most people affected by asbestos will be able to find a local practicing asbestos lawyer. You should do a little research on successful cases as well as unsuccessful cases dealt with by the law firm that you are considering. This will enable you to make a more informed decision with regards to which asbestos lawyer you use for your case, based on the information provided by the lawyer or the law firm. It is important that you find a good, experienced asbestos lawyer as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma. Most states have a set time limit in which you can file your lawsuit, and it is very important that you do not miss that deadline otherwise you may find that you are ineligible to make a claim.

When you go and seek assistance from an asbestos lawyer, don’t expect to get all the answers on day one. There is no way of predicting the direction in which your asbestos lawsuit might go, how quickly your case may be settled or how much you may get in compensation. Lawyers must assess each case on its own merits, and the course of action can be determined by any number of factors. However, there are some general guidelines available that could help you learn more about your legal options, and which should be discussed in greater detail with an asbestos lawyer or specialist.

It is useful for the asbestos lawyer if clients can provide as much information as possible with regards to their exposure, but this is not a necessity. Providing you are frank and open with the asbestos lawyer, the law firm can often hire someone to investigate your exposure to asbestos and will do this at no cost to you. And because most asbestos lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, you will pay nothing at all until you receive compensation, and nothing if your case is not successful.

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Mesothelioma and the Law

2007-10-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Over recent years, we have seen many multi-million dollar compensation payouts to victims of mesothelioma, the asbestos exposure related cancer. This is a relatively new disease, both in terms of medical and legal awareness, and sufferers of mesothelioma are finding that they are entitled to a hefty compensation in many cases. And to help these victims get their dues, many lawyers and law firms have been trained and set up to deal with mesothelioma claims in order to get mesothelioma sufferers the compensation to which they are entitled.

Why are mesothelioma victims entitled to compensation? Well, most cancers not the fault of an outsider. Heavy smokers may get cancer through smoking, which is their own choice. Other types of cancer, such as breast, cervical and prostate are not anybody’s fault, although vigilance and regular check ups can help to identify these caners early on and therefore treat them effectively. However, mesothelioma is a totally different type of cancer. This is a cancer that could have been prevented, and it is the fault of outsiders – namely the irresponsible firms that made no efforts to protect their workers against the hazards of working with asbestos. You see, mesothelioma is the result of regular exposure the asbestos dust and fibres, which are ingested into the system and corrupt the cells of the protective lining that surround major organs – the mesothelium. The cancer lies dormant for many decades, and victims do not realise until thirty or forty years later that they have the disease. By the time tests have been done and a diagnosis has been made, it is often too late to do anything constructive about it, and the patient is left with just a short time to live – typically 4-24 months.

These mesothelioma lawyers are here to help victims of mesothelioma to get cold, hard cash from the companies responsible for their doomed fate. This compensation will help to cover medical expenses and pain and suffering. But, perhaps most importantly, it helps to provide financial stability and security for the victim’s loved ones after he or she has passed away.

The payouts for mesothelioma lawsuits have run from hundreds of thousands of dollars, to multi-million dollars. But the mesothelioma sufferer must ensure that the chances of success are optimised by seeking legal advice and assistance as soon as the diagnosis has been confirmed. Most states only provide a certain time within which you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit, so it is vital that you do this immediately. Your lawyer will also need the extra time to put your case together and carry out any necessary research. Time is of the essence where mesothelioma lawsuits are concerned, and just a few days could make the difference between financial security for your family and no compensation at all.

If you are concerned about not having any money up-front to pay for legal costs, don’t be. The vast majority of mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not take any money from you up-front. And if your case is unsuccessful they will not take any money from you at all. You only have to pay the lawyer if and when you receive compensation. Your lawyer will then be entitled to a percentage of the compensation. And, although the cut to which the lawyer is entitled can seem high – generally around the 35% mark – it does mean that you don’t have to worry about paying in order to file for compensation and you have nothing to lose if you don’t get any compensation.
Your mesothelioma lawyer will also be able to give you support and advice with regards to your illness. The experienced mesothelioma lawyers have already built up a network of contacts within the field; not only for legal support but for all types of support and advice. This network means that your lawyer can process your claim more quickly than a lawyer who has little or no knowledge or experience in dealing with mesothelioma lawsuits. The experienced lawyer will also be able to point you in the right direction for additional support services and support groups.

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About Mesothelioma Lawyers

2007-10-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a disease that, until recently, was extremely rare. To date, little is know about the condition. However, as the rate of the disease has increased, a new breed of lawyers – those dealing specifically with mesothelioma lawsuits – have stepped in to fight for the rights of victims afflicted with this disease. These lawyers and law firms often deal exclusively with mesothelioma victims and their families who wish to claim compensation from the companies that were responsible for their exposure to asbestos. These mesothelioma lawsuits often result in millions of dollars for the victims when handled by an experienced lawyer or law firm.

Those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have every right to file a lawsuit. Many of the companies responsible for exposing workers to asbestos were well aware of its dangers and effects, but still saw fit to let their workers continue with little or no protection against the dust and fibers that emanated from this hazardous material. Now, decades later, the effects of this exposure is taking its toll on American workers just as they reach their golden years. These workers are entitled to compensation and justice for their pain, suffering and loss of life. A mesothelioma lawsuit can provide them with such justice.

Today, there are many mesothelioma lawyers to choose from. The number of lawyers and law firms handling these lawsuits is on the rise. Many of these lawyers have dealt with numerous mesothelioma lawsuits and have a good deal of experience and knowledge about the disease. Those looking for a mesothelioma lawyer should chooser someone that has proven experience in the field. Most reputable lawyers will be happy to provide facts and figures on previous cases that they have handled. However, these lawyers often do not provide private information that might be subject to confidentiality. They can, however, provide you with details on how quickly cases were resolved, how much compensation was successfully obtained and how many mesothelioma lawsuits they have dealt with.

It is also worth finding out about the mesothelioma lawsuits that were not successful, and why they were not successful. It may be something as simple as a missed piece of evidence to failure to comply with sensitive timetables associated with such cases. These elements can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful lawsuit. By finding out why some lawsuits resulted in no compensation, you may be able to avoid making the same type of mistake.

It is important that you find a good, experienced mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed with the disease. Most states have a set time limit in which you can file your lawsuit, and it is very important that you not miss that deadline known as a statute of limitations. Otherwise you may find that you are ineligible to make a claim. You also need to give your lawyer as much time as possible to do the necessary research and put together a solid and case against the negligent parties. In short, the earlier you get to a mesothelioma lawyer, the better your chances of success.

Many people are concerned because they do not know exactly where and when they were exposed to asbestos. Some people may have worked in several different places and been exposed to asbestos on numerous occasions. However, your mesothelioma lawyer can help in identifying products that you were exposed to. If necessary, your mesothelioma lawyer will hire the services of a private investigator to find out where the exposure took place. With some research and digging, the lawyer is generally able to pinpoint the company or companies responsible for the exposure.

Again, this can take time and is another reason why it is so important to find a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after the diagnosis of the cancer has been confirmed. Understandably, patients who have just been told that they have mesothelioma will have a great deal on their minds and filing a lawsuit may not be one of their priorities. However, the timely process of selecting a lawyer and filing your lawsuit can make all the difference in securing the future of your family.

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Mesothelioma's Cause - Asbestos Exposure

2007-10-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

At some point in our lives, nearly all of us have been exposed to asbestos in the air we breathe and the water we drink; from natural deposits in the earth, and from the deterioration of asbestos products around us. Most of us, however, do not become ill as a result of our exposure. More commonly, those who at some point are diagnosed with asbestos disease, have worked in jobs where more substantial exposure occurred over longer periods of time. Nevertheless, cases of mesothelioma have been documented as the result of lesser exposure, affecting family members of workers who came into contact with asbestos and brought it home on their clothing, skin or hair, or affecting those who lived in close proximity to asbestos manufacturing facilities. Symptoms of asbestos disease usually are not be apparent until decades after exposure.

Asbestos was used commercially in North America as early as the late 1800s, but its use increased dramatically during the World War II era when shipyards produced massive numbers of ships for the war effort. Since that time, asbestos-containing products were used by the construction and building trades, the automotive industry and the manufacturing industry. All told, more than 5,000 products contained asbestos.

For more than 50 years, products containing asbestos remained unregulated, and the manufacturers of those products continued to prosper, knowing full well that many of the millions of workers who came into contact with their products would ultimately suffer as the result of their actions. Finally, in the late 1970s, the Consumer Products Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and artificial ash for gas fireplaces because the fiber could easily be released during use. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency banned all new use of asbestos, but uses established prior to that time were still allowed. Although awareness of the dangers of asbestos and public concern over the issue have led to a decline in domestic consumption over the years, a total ban on asbestos has not come to fruition. Asbestos is still imported, still used and still dangerous.

Although it is suggested that the number of mesothelioma cases in the U.S. has reached its peak and has begun to drop, a forecast released by the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), in April, 2003, projected the total number of American male mesothelioma cases from 2003-2054 to be approximately 71,000. This number, however, does not take into consideration events such as the World Trade Center disaster on September 11, 2001, when millions of New Yorkers were potentially exposed to air filled with carcinogenic asbestos particles. When the latency period for asbestos disease is factored in, cases of mesothelioma will continue to be diagnosed for years to come. See our page on mesothelioma risk factors.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

2007-10-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Once you bring your asbestos exposure to the attention of your doctor, you will likely undergo various medical tests such as an x-ray, CT scan and MRI. These tests have the ability to take different types of pictures of your chest cavity. These pictures give your doctor a good idea as to whether or not there is any cancerous growth within the lining of the lung, or heart. If your doctor sees a tumor or growth, they will likely perform a biopsy to take a portion of the affected area to be tested for the presence of cancer. If cancer is found, the doctor will most likely refer you to a cancer specialist for further diagnosis. The size of the tumor is the most common measure used to determine what stage the disease is in.

We have made many contacts and can refer you to some of the nations top mesothelioma doctors. There are many cancer centers around the country and doctors that specialize in treating mesothelioma. Because of the unique nature of this cancer, it is important to seek the best treatment possible. In talking with various doctors you will likely hear a lot of vocabulary that you might not be familiar with. Do not panic, rather ask as many questions as necessary in order to understand what is being discussed. Also, we provide a glossary of terms and hundreds of pages of easily read information to make this difficult time easier to cope with.

Once a diagnosis is made, it is time to choose a treatment plan. There are various treatment options and choosing the right one is crucial to ensuring the best results. If mesothelioma is caught early a doctor might recommend surgery to remove the tumor. As the severity of the disease increases, surgery can be too dangerous and less effective. Other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation become more common methods used to combat the disease. The most important thing to realize is that the disease can grow very rapidly in its later stages and various palliative care methods are used to make pain more tolerable.

In recent times, alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture, massage, meditation and others are now being used because many patients have had positive results. These methods can drastically reduce pain and put the patient in a sense of relaxation. This is important because it is much easier to make good decisions when you can think clearly and not be overcome with discomfort.

Overall, consulting your doctor and starting a treatment plan is the absolute first priority. Without knowing the facts about your condition it is impossible to make informed decisions that will improve quality of life and increase your chances of recovery. Now that you have taken the right steps, it is time to consult family members and discuss your condition, and what the future may hold.

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Mesothelioma Diagnosis Questions

2007-10-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

Doctor-Patient Communication

An open line of communication between a patient and his or her physician is vital when dealing with a serious disease such as mesothelioma. There will be many questions regarding treatment, whether palliative or aggressive, choices to deal with, and life issues to confront. Being informed and proactive in your care will give you a sense of empowerment.

Although most physicians have limited time to spend with each patient at appointments, it is important to address issues as they occur and resolve them to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Initially, this may mean going to your appointment with a list of symptoms or concerns, or questions regarding specific tests that are recommended. Once mesothelioma has been diagnosed, you may have questions regarding treatment options.

Most questions from patients stem from an initial diagnosis of mesothelioma and subsequent treatment options. Following are some frequently asked questions regarding these two important issues.
What Is My Diagnosis?

There are three types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura), peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium). Sub-types (or cell types) of mesothelioma are epithelioid (the most common, and considered the most amenable to treatment), sarcomatous (a much more aggressive form), and biphasic or mixed (a combination of both of the other cell types).

The structural appearance of cells under the microscope determine the cell or sub-type of mesothelioma. Epithelioid is the least aggressive; sarcomatoid, the most aggressive. The biphasic or mixed cell type shows structural elements of both of the other two.

MESOTHELIOMA STAGES

Treatment options are often determined by the stage of mesothelioma a patient is in. There are three staging systems currently in use for pleural mesothelioma and each one measures somewhat different variables; peritoneal mesothelioma is not staged.

The oldest staging system and the one most often used is the Butchart System which is based mainly on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages. The more recent TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. The Brigham System is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically remove) and lymph node involvement.

Butchart System – extent of primary tumor mass

* Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
* Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.

TNM System -- variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), M (metastasis)

* Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
* Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
* Stage III: Mesothelioma is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
* Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.

Brigham System: (variables of tumor resectability and nodal status)

* Stage I: Resectable mesothelioma and no lymph node involvement
* Stage II: Resectable mesothelioma but with lymph node involvement
* Stage III: Unresectable mesothelioma extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum; with or without extrathoracic lymph node involvement
* Stage IV: Distant metastatic disease

How Was This Diagnosis Determined, and How Accurate Were the Tests?

Although you probably took many different tests leading up to your diagnosis, a tissue biopsy is normally the final determining factor. Following are some tests your doctor may recommend, and what may or may not be concluded from these tests.

* X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs - See the imaging section for more on these techniques. On conventional x-ray film, mesothelioma appears as a markedly thickened, nodular, irregular pleural-based mass which covers the pleural surface. The tumor often encompasses the involved lung, but is only rarely seen bilaterally. Chest wall, diaphragmatic, and mediastinal invasion may be seen in advanced cases. Moderate to large pleural effusion is often noted on the affected side. On CT scan, pleural thickening greater than 1 cm can be identified in over 90% of cases; thickening which extends into the interlobular fissure is seen in 85% of cases. Absence of pleural thickening does not preclude mesothelioma, and at times, the only CT finding is that of pleural effusion.

* Cytology - Testing of the pleural fluid for malignant cells is considered to have limited value in diagnosing mesothelioma. Negative or inconclusive readings account for nearly 85% of all fluid tested. Even with a positive fluid report, many doctors prefer to perform a confirming tissue biopsy as long as it does not compromise the patient's health.

* Needle Biopsy - In this test, done under local anesthetic, a large hollow needle is inserted through the skin and into the chest cavity. The needle is then rotated, and as it is taken out, tissue samples are collected. Because of the small sample size of the tissue, this type of biopsy is considered to be only 25-60% accurate in diagnosing mesothelioma. Because tumor seeding may occur along the needle tract in approximately 20% of patients, local radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with this test.

* Open biopsy - This type of biopsy is considered to be the most accurate for mesothelioma diagnosis, and is the procedure of choice because it affords the pathologist a larger tissue sample.. It is done in a hospital under general anesthetic. As with a needle biopsy, local radiation may be used because of the possibility of tumor seeding.

Can I Be Treated by the Doctor Who Diagnosed My Mesothelioma?

If the doctor who diagnosed your mesothelioma is your primary physician, he will most likely refer you to a local oncologist for treatment. The oncologist may offer what he or she feels are the best treatment options, or, if their knowledge of this disease is limited, may suggest you seek out a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma. Most often these physicians are located at larger, teaching hospitals such as those listed in the Comprehensive Cancer Center Section. These facilities are ranked as state-of-the-art cancer centers, and are highly respected for their patient care and innovative cancer treatments. If your choice of treatment involves a radical surgical procedure or a clinical trial involving new, as yet unproven drugs, these facilities may be best for you. If your treatment involves an already-approved, standard form of chemotherapy, this can be carried out locally.
What Treatment Options Will I Be Offered?

Treatment options may vary according to the age and over-all health of the patient, and the extent of the disease. It is important to be informed of all available options for your particular case, so that you can make decision on the option you feel most comfortable with. Surgery, chemotherapy, and clinical trials, as well as new approaches such as photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy may be offered. Speak openly with your doctor regarding suggested procedures. Questions may include:

* Why is this procedure best for me?
* What does the procedure entail?
* What are the advantages/disadvantages of this treatment (i.e, will this procedure limit my eligibility for other treatments)?
* What are the possible risks or adverse side effects?
* What are the response, survival, and mortality rates associated with this procedure?

Is Palliative Treatment an Option?

In some circumstances, age, contributing health problems, or advanced disease may make aggressive treatment impossible. In these cases, palliative care (that which treats the symptoms, but not the disease itself) may be appropriate. If you opt for palliative care, it is doubly important to communicate fully with your doctor. Many symptoms of mesothelioma can be alleviated or substantially lessened if you are completely open with your doctor. Each time you have an appointment, tell your doctor how you feel, what discomfort you are experiencing, and your level of pain. A good doctor should be willing to address your questions and concerns.

Source

The 2007 Philippine Blog Awards

2007-03-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

Bloggers’ Choice Award

clash of the bull and the frog
Estudyanteng Pinoy Dormitorian
Coconuter
One Day at a Time
Inside PCIJ
Demolishers
Micamyx-Dagupena Dreamer
aaronjames
Pulse circle
Skirmisher
ofwempowerment
Random Thoughts
Hush and Listen
Project backspace
Reyna Elena
Jerry Yan Philippines
Wish You Were Here
TurfSite Manila
MarketManila
Just typing out loud. . . =p
Taintedsong
bulitas:blog as a religion
The Hell You Care
Maria went to “The Netherlands”

Best Blog Design

well whatever…
Room Noise
Rebel Pixel Productions
Behind Wonderland
Aaron Roselo : Teenage Angst Regression
Ironwulf.net: En Route
PinoyMacLovers
The heart, etc.
Project backspace
Cureless
my portfolio
Life is Abundant
Hush and Listen
FiveFeetFlat

Best OFW Blog

Composed Gentleman
Looking through foreign eyes
ofwempowerment
Reyna Elena
Rising Above the Phantasms of a Geek
Maria went to “The Netherlands”

Best Free Custom Theme

Funky Beat
Clueless
Fastlane
Mini Romantic
Morning Dew
Nostalgie
Papillon
Darkened Waters
Pink Beauty
Simple Lavender
Island After Sunset
Grass Green
Blu3zin3

Best Blog Plugin/Extension

ipap
Guestbook Generator
Hacked WP Category Post Plugin
Name Dropper Wordpress Plugin
Top Posts by Category Plugin

And here are the nominations for the Main Categories:
Personal

Aaron Roselo : Teenage Angst Regression
Noisy Noisy Man
Blog.Nestlepoell.net
Last Leaf Designs and Chronicles
The Random Salvos of Death
Life’s lessons - egg and corn soup for the soul
I AM Jay
SaRiSaRi
Islander in the City
Looking Through Foreign Eyes
Welcome Aboard.
Rising Internet Star
Pinoy Potter’s Chronicles
GURBI
life’s incidence
Super Tipid
Room Noise
i surrender all
Tempest
mga kwentong parlor ni wanda ilusyunada
Nuovo Inizio
Pregnant Pauses
Salamin
in retrospect…
apples-pie
Misteryosa
Rhodyl.Com
Beyond Eternal
Intiendes
Winter Lord
charleslemark. my blog. myself.
Behind Wonderland
Kubiertos
Make Poverty History
Azrael’s Merryland
Sheena’s Site
Sketches of a Village Idiot Savant
kissfendi
Waititng for Illusive Sleep…
Top Dog
clash of the bull and the frog
Estudyanteng Pinoy Dormitorian
Refine Me
Micamyx-DagupeÑa Dreamer
kurdapya dos
One Day at a Time
markcas.com :: blogging about all things awesome
Slip of the Pen
Insomnity
Demolishers
Diverted cyberlife of a political life planner
Scars of my wrecked soul
Mind, Heart, and Mysteries
Just typing out loud… =p
The D Spot
My Pinoy Humor Blog
The Journal of the Jester in Exile
Pulsar
anagramatic
Pulse circle
Fight Pompe
Retrospection
arvinastig.co.nr
fruityoaty
All Turned Grey
pugnosedfreakazoid
Utakgago
Edged lair
Jessica Rules The Universe
Bikoy.Net
The Microhierax Chronicles
Balikbayan Box
Hush and Listen
The heart, etc.
Sugar Sentiments
Alas Filipinas
Batang Baler
Appellant’s Brief
Ganns Deen Online
Cureless
6 letters I have in mind about LIFE… G-O-O-G-L-E
Nobody Else Like Me
chronicles of a reformed-rebel
In A Jaded World
The Crazy World of Ayan
Wish You Were Here
Dear Diarya
beautiful disaster
pinayexpat
lost in the city of los angeles
Ako si Eagleman
Hazy Reality
TurfSite Manila
Atheista
The Wifey Diaries
Memoirs Of Jing
The Construct
Buhay Si Patrick
Angelhouser at Viloria.com
The Bachelor Girl
Sinag, Sinagiph
bulitas shots
Of Foolish Wisdom, Moonshine and Melancholy
inkblotter
Cookie
Well Whatever
Whoas and Woes
Oh! Happy days!
Sonnie’s Porch
{ K ’s Journal }
Ang Blog ni Paurong
jenoside in spain
Rebel Pixel Productions
Sensibilities

Entertainment

PhilMusic
Noisy Noisy Man
The Man Blog
Retzwerx
Billycoy’s Blasted Brain Blogs
TransFormers Philippines
High Denzity
Starmometer
watdat?
DavBlog
TV DVD Source
PorkandBliss.Com
Project backspace
Gibbs cadiz
Jerry Yan Philippines
Pinoy Christian Music
Pinoy Rickey

Technology

Standard Web Standards
KaryoDigital
PinoyMacLovers
OnyO
Captain’s Log
PODDCORP Blog
Computer Troubleshooting
Tech 2.0
Rebel Pixel Productions
Six Things
Alleba Blog

Travel

Ivan About Town
Byahilo: Your Journey Begins Here
A travelogue & digital rebel Website
Coconuter
Ironwulf.net: En Route
Lakbay Pilipinas - Philippines Travel Blog
Our Awesome Planet
Negros Island Online
Batang Baler
LipadNa: Travel to the Philippines

Socio-Political

Not Just For Superheroes
The Composed Gentleman
Journal of The Jester In Exile
Tingog.com - Voice of The Filipino
Peter Lavina
Far From Neutral Notions
Inevitable Karma
khanterbury tales
Quezon.Ph
AmpsusPolitics
Philippine Commentary
From the Boondocks
Our Times
A Citizen On Mars
Hush and Listen
Salita Blog
The Pidjanga of Mainit, Surigao del Norte

Home & Living

Midlife Mysteries
Health Finds
Mabuting Balita
dessert comes first
MarketManila.com
Kubiertos
Our Awesome Planet
Entering Marriage Life
Healthy Living
Wifely Steps
Perfect Proposals Online

Photo Blog

Senor Enrique
Rhodyl.Com
Trigger Happy
Tortured Squid
Dolly Rock Muse
watdat?
The Sleepy Traveler
Random Thoughts
Daily Snap
Project Manila
Agring’s Simply Digital
Hush and Listen
On Screen: Photos within Jepoy’s Visual Range
chronicles of a reformed-rebel
the accidental photoblogger
bulitas shots
Photography. It’s love.
Sidetrip
The Dubai Chronicles

Fashion & Lifestyle

Six Degrees of Inspiration
Cathy Chronicles
Manila Gay Guy
Life Funtastique
Glamarazzi
Gibbs cadiz
Dolly Rock Muse
Suzaku Lace
Podcast
Putanginamo.com
Inside PCIJ
Viloria.com Pinoy Podcast
OhMyGulay.com

News & Media

Skirmisher
Inside PCIJ
Marian SN
khanterbury tales
Davao Today
RG CRUZ, Observer
Cyberbaguioboy

Business/Entrepreneur

Radiant View Communications
Reyna Elena
Jozzua
Reflections of a BizDrivenLife
Follow the Process
ManuelViloria.com
Sonnie’s Porch
Waukster Online

Sports & Recreation

Mowgee
HoopWatch
Vespinoy
Who rides a Vespa?