Depending on the case, a verdict in an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit can be reached relatively quickly, while others may take more time. Typically, a suit that is settled out of court will attain resolution faster than one that winds its way through the legal process. The two factors that determine the kind of verdict that will be given in are:
1} the level of damages to be compensated for and 2} liability.
1-The level of damages to be compensated for is another vital factor in determining a verdict. The lawyer of the plaintiff must give the jury or judge a yardstick to determining the amount of compensation to be awarded. The amount of compensation is determined by two factors-a} the level of compensatory damages and b} the level of punitive damages.
2-Liability is one of the major factors in reaching a verdict. It is the job of the plaintiff's attorney to prove the entity being sued is responsible for the damage to the plaintiff, and this will weigh heavily upon a verdict.
A} Compensatory damage is money paid to compensate the plaintiff for the loss or harm that was suffered. While compensatory damages may be capped in some instances, most states do not have caps on punitive damages.
B}Punitive damages do not take the plaintiff's condition into account at all, but are used as a preventative measure to deter against the defendant (and other entities that have caused similar harm to people) from performing such injurious actions again. Typically, the more deliberate the jury perceives the action of the defendant, the larger the punitive damages. With no limit on punitive damages, it is not unusual for an asbestos compensation to reach millions of dollars. In many cases this is due to the knowledge that asbestos companies were aware of the dangers of their product and did nothing to protect or warn workers of the associated hazards.
However one has to realize that while the trial option may result in a large punitive damage award, there is no guarantee. Juries can be surprising, and many attorneys can attest that there are no sure bets in a trial. If the amount of compensation awarded offered by the defendant as attempt to settle out of court is substantial {even though it will not be as much as you would get in a successful trial} the victim and their family should consider taking the settlement as there are no guaranteed compensations. Before you agree for an out of court settlement however you must make sure that the insurance company of the defendants is involved.
To get the best compensation you have to hire the services of an experienced mesothelioma attorney who is well versed in the complex asbestos mesothelioma laws.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mesothelioma Lawsuits-What are factors that will determine the verdict?
Depending on the case, a verdict in an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit can be reached relatively quickly, while others may take more time. Typically, a suit that is settled out of court will attain resolution faster than one that winds its way through the legal process. The two factors that determine the kind of verdict that will be given in are:
1} the level of damages to be compensated for and 2} liability.
1-The level of damages to be compensated for is another vital factor in determining a verdict. The lawyer of the plaintiff must give the jury or judge a yardstick to determining the amount of compensation to be awarded. The amount of compensation is determined by two factors-a} the level of compensatory damages and b} the level of punitive damages.
2-Liability is one of the major factors in reaching a verdict. It is the job of the plaintiff's attorney to prove the entity being sued is responsible for the damage to the plaintiff, and this will weigh heavily upon a verdict.
A} Compensatory damage is money paid to compensate the plaintiff for the loss or harm that was suffered. While compensatory damages may be capped in some instances, most states do not have caps on punitive damages.
B}Punitive damages do not take the plaintiff's condition into account at all, but are used as a preventative measure to deter against the defendant (and other entities that have caused similar harm to people) from performing such injurious actions again. Typically, the more deliberate the jury perceives the action of the defendant, the larger the punitive damages. With no limit on punitive damages, it is not unusual for an asbestos compensation to reach millions of dollars. In many cases this is due to the knowledge that asbestos companies were aware of the dangers of their product and did nothing to protect or warn workers of the associated hazards.
However one has to realize that while the trial option may result in a large punitive damage award, there is no guarantee. Juries can be surprising, and many attorneys can attest that there are no sure bets in a trial. If the amount of compensation awarded offered by the defendant as attempt to settle out of court is substantial {even though it will not be as much as you would get in a successful trial} the victim and their family should consider taking the settlement as there are no guaranteed compensations. Before you agree for an out of court settlement however you must make sure that the insurance company of the defendants is involved.
To get the best compensation you have to hire the services of an experienced mesothelioma attorney who is well versed in the complex asbestos mesothelioma laws.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
1} the level of damages to be compensated for and 2} liability.
1-The level of damages to be compensated for is another vital factor in determining a verdict. The lawyer of the plaintiff must give the jury or judge a yardstick to determining the amount of compensation to be awarded. The amount of compensation is determined by two factors-a} the level of compensatory damages and b} the level of punitive damages.
2-Liability is one of the major factors in reaching a verdict. It is the job of the plaintiff's attorney to prove the entity being sued is responsible for the damage to the plaintiff, and this will weigh heavily upon a verdict.
A} Compensatory damage is money paid to compensate the plaintiff for the loss or harm that was suffered. While compensatory damages may be capped in some instances, most states do not have caps on punitive damages.
B}Punitive damages do not take the plaintiff's condition into account at all, but are used as a preventative measure to deter against the defendant (and other entities that have caused similar harm to people) from performing such injurious actions again. Typically, the more deliberate the jury perceives the action of the defendant, the larger the punitive damages. With no limit on punitive damages, it is not unusual for an asbestos compensation to reach millions of dollars. In many cases this is due to the knowledge that asbestos companies were aware of the dangers of their product and did nothing to protect or warn workers of the associated hazards.
However one has to realize that while the trial option may result in a large punitive damage award, there is no guarantee. Juries can be surprising, and many attorneys can attest that there are no sure bets in a trial. If the amount of compensation awarded offered by the defendant as attempt to settle out of court is substantial {even though it will not be as much as you would get in a successful trial} the victim and their family should consider taking the settlement as there are no guaranteed compensations. Before you agree for an out of court settlement however you must make sure that the insurance company of the defendants is involved.
To get the best compensation you have to hire the services of an experienced mesothelioma attorney who is well versed in the complex asbestos mesothelioma laws.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Mesothelioma Victim- Hope for the mesothelioma victim
Do not let mesothelioma make a victim of you.
A mesothelioma victim must never give up hope. Hope gives strength, and this is needed when dealing with an affliction as insidious and pervasive as mesothelioma. Coping with a mesothelioma diagnosis requires an incredible amount of strength. Many people draw strength from their families, or in their spiritual convictions, and others take stock of a life of accomplishments and resolve to persevere in their struggle. As long as those unfortunate victims still have hope, then their struggle against mesothelioma is never in vain.
Even the best medical treatments are useless if the victim is not committed to surviving through the pain and adversity of the procedures. It is true that mesothelioma treatment can involve unpleasant surgery, radiation, and chemotherapies, but when hope is lost, everything is. The belief that mesothelioma, like an obstacle, can be surmounted and conquered is sometimes more effective than the latest medical breakthrough, and such positive attitude in the face of adversity often inspires those around you, even if they are not afflicted with such a condition.
New technology for treating mesothelioma provides hope for the victims of this condition, treatments like angiogenesis, gene therapy, and photodynamic therapy provide are looking promising and they provide hope for victims of mesothelioma who have failed to respond to conventional treatments. Also celebrex which is a COX-2 inhibitor and pain reliever has been shown to halt the growth of mesothelioma cells in a Petri dish in recent study carried out by Dr Alfonso Catalano of the University of Marche Italy. Lab animals with mesothelioma showed significant improvement and human tests might soon commence. Hope can also take the form of justice. You can seek for Justice against the asbestos companies that chose to ignore or conceal the risks their product would inflict on innocent people. Justice that will prevent them from hurting other people and justice to know that you will be compensated for all the pain you have had to endure.
If you want to strike back at those that caused you so much undeserved pain and misery, you should seek for the necessary information on mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma lawsuits.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
A mesothelioma victim must never give up hope. Hope gives strength, and this is needed when dealing with an affliction as insidious and pervasive as mesothelioma. Coping with a mesothelioma diagnosis requires an incredible amount of strength. Many people draw strength from their families, or in their spiritual convictions, and others take stock of a life of accomplishments and resolve to persevere in their struggle. As long as those unfortunate victims still have hope, then their struggle against mesothelioma is never in vain.
Even the best medical treatments are useless if the victim is not committed to surviving through the pain and adversity of the procedures. It is true that mesothelioma treatment can involve unpleasant surgery, radiation, and chemotherapies, but when hope is lost, everything is. The belief that mesothelioma, like an obstacle, can be surmounted and conquered is sometimes more effective than the latest medical breakthrough, and such positive attitude in the face of adversity often inspires those around you, even if they are not afflicted with such a condition.
New technology for treating mesothelioma provides hope for the victims of this condition, treatments like angiogenesis, gene therapy, and photodynamic therapy provide are looking promising and they provide hope for victims of mesothelioma who have failed to respond to conventional treatments. Also celebrex which is a COX-2 inhibitor and pain reliever has been shown to halt the growth of mesothelioma cells in a Petri dish in recent study carried out by Dr Alfonso Catalano of the University of Marche Italy. Lab animals with mesothelioma showed significant improvement and human tests might soon commence. Hope can also take the form of justice. You can seek for Justice against the asbestos companies that chose to ignore or conceal the risks their product would inflict on innocent people. Justice that will prevent them from hurting other people and justice to know that you will be compensated for all the pain you have had to endure.
If you want to strike back at those that caused you so much undeserved pain and misery, you should seek for the necessary information on mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma lawsuits.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma-4 commonly asked questions
One of the newest and most exciting types of therapy for mesothelioma is called photodynamic therapy (PDT). These are 4 commonly asked questions about this form of treatment.
1. How does photodynamic therapy work?
A drug called Photofrin is injected into a patient, this drug specifically targets and bonds to mesothelioma cells. When the patient is exposed to laser or high intensity light, the photofrin on the cancer cells become active and kill the tumor cells. Doctors insert a fiber optic cable into the patient's chest, and turn on the light on the chest area.
2. How does the light work?
The light interacts with the drug, creating a special kind of oxygen that eats away the cancerous cells. Timing and aim are critical in PDT, it takes some time for the drug to actually concentrate in the cancer cells and leave the normal cells. When applied at the right time the light only affects the cancerous cells without disturbing the normal cells.
3. What are the drawbacks of photodynamic therapy?
The main drawbacks of this therapy are that the laser light is not very strong, typically only penetrating three centimeters or so, so PDT is best used against tumors that are close to the skin or on the surface of the internal organs, for tumors that have penetrated deep into the organs it might not be of significant help. The drugs used in this type of therapy are often absorbed by healthy cells as well, but usually dissipates very quickly, allowing them to regenerate where the cancerous cells had taken over.
4.What are the side effects of photodynamic therapy ?
There are also significant side effects. The major side effect is photosensitivity to sunlight {increased sensitivity to sunlight}, so a patient must avoid the sun for up to six weeks or risk sun damage. Furthermore, many patients report a metallic taste in their mouths accompanied by severe nausea. Nevertheless, this radical new treatment has demonstrated a marked improvement in many of the clinical trials, but is yet to be approved for general use.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
1. How does photodynamic therapy work?
A drug called Photofrin is injected into a patient, this drug specifically targets and bonds to mesothelioma cells. When the patient is exposed to laser or high intensity light, the photofrin on the cancer cells become active and kill the tumor cells. Doctors insert a fiber optic cable into the patient's chest, and turn on the light on the chest area.
2. How does the light work?
The light interacts with the drug, creating a special kind of oxygen that eats away the cancerous cells. Timing and aim are critical in PDT, it takes some time for the drug to actually concentrate in the cancer cells and leave the normal cells. When applied at the right time the light only affects the cancerous cells without disturbing the normal cells.
3. What are the drawbacks of photodynamic therapy?
The main drawbacks of this therapy are that the laser light is not very strong, typically only penetrating three centimeters or so, so PDT is best used against tumors that are close to the skin or on the surface of the internal organs, for tumors that have penetrated deep into the organs it might not be of significant help. The drugs used in this type of therapy are often absorbed by healthy cells as well, but usually dissipates very quickly, allowing them to regenerate where the cancerous cells had taken over.
4.What are the side effects of photodynamic therapy ?
There are also significant side effects. The major side effect is photosensitivity to sunlight {increased sensitivity to sunlight}, so a patient must avoid the sun for up to six weeks or risk sun damage. Furthermore, many patients report a metallic taste in their mouths accompanied by severe nausea. Nevertheless, this radical new treatment has demonstrated a marked improvement in many of the clinical trials, but is yet to be approved for general use.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mesothelioma Treatment -What is the role of Diet in the treatment of mesothelioma?
For victims of diseases like cancer, proper eating can make the difference between life and death, they must eat a very balanced diet. Cancer and the anti cancer drugs used to treat it can destroy the appetite and drain the body of vital nutrients so that it can no longer fight the drugs. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and even loss of smell and taste are common side effects of Chemotherapy which tend to reduce the desire to eat a balanced diet and ensure sound health.
The type of diet recommended for mesothelioma patients include foods from four food groups namely protein, fat, water and carbohydrates. Protein is the most essential part of a good mesothelioma diet as protein helps repair cells damaged by chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The prestigious National Cancer institute recommends that people with this cancer take foods such as cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, fish, meat, and ice cream.
Fats are also a very important component of a good cancer diet as fat help store energy which the body can make use of later to provide a much needed boost during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Although fat intake depends on the size and body type of the person, but the National Cancer Institute believes that high calorie foods such as butter, cheese, milk, honey, sugar, dried fruits, and granola can provide adequate fat stores to be used by the body during the mesothelioma recovery process.
Water is also important because it helps to improve the state of hydration in the body especially during radiotherapy and chemotherapy when the body tends to loose some water.
Carbohydrates should also be part of their diet as they also help to provide the much needed energy to be able to cope with the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Some patients prefer to throw caution to the wind, and eat whatever they desire, believing that food is a simple pleasure in life and the joy experienced from eating their favorite dishes has a more positive effect than a menu of "approved" foods.
A balanced diet can help victims of mesothelioma maintain their overall health and improve their quality of life even though they will still likely succumb to the devastating effects of the disease Every mesothelioma victim should take steps to get compensated for the terrible pain and hardship that they pass through when they are diagnosed. They must learn as much as they can about the disease and how to get compensated.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
The type of diet recommended for mesothelioma patients include foods from four food groups namely protein, fat, water and carbohydrates. Protein is the most essential part of a good mesothelioma diet as protein helps repair cells damaged by chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The prestigious National Cancer institute recommends that people with this cancer take foods such as cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, fish, meat, and ice cream.
Fats are also a very important component of a good cancer diet as fat help store energy which the body can make use of later to provide a much needed boost during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Although fat intake depends on the size and body type of the person, but the National Cancer Institute believes that high calorie foods such as butter, cheese, milk, honey, sugar, dried fruits, and granola can provide adequate fat stores to be used by the body during the mesothelioma recovery process.
Water is also important because it helps to improve the state of hydration in the body especially during radiotherapy and chemotherapy when the body tends to loose some water.
Carbohydrates should also be part of their diet as they also help to provide the much needed energy to be able to cope with the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Some patients prefer to throw caution to the wind, and eat whatever they desire, believing that food is a simple pleasure in life and the joy experienced from eating their favorite dishes has a more positive effect than a menu of "approved" foods.
A balanced diet can help victims of mesothelioma maintain their overall health and improve their quality of life even though they will still likely succumb to the devastating effects of the disease Every mesothelioma victim should take steps to get compensated for the terrible pain and hardship that they pass through when they are diagnosed. They must learn as much as they can about the disease and how to get compensated.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Potential Mesothelioma Treatment Uncovered
Recent studies have shown that Lovastatin which is a cholesterol lowering drug may be useful in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. Lovastatin is part of a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). The drugs decrease the production of bad cholesterol within the body. It is often prescribed to patients as an oral pill that is taken in low doses, once every four weeks.
Nearly 20 to 30 years ago, the drug's effects were known as killing cancerous cells, however, at that time it was too powerful to test on cancer patients. At that time, however, the anti-cancer effect was considered too risky to continue studying because of the extremely high doses that were needed to be given to a cancer patient. Researchers put the study on hold, according to news reports, until recently when scientists at a Nashville, Tenn clinic started providing the drug to pleural mesothelioma patients.
A stage-four melanoma patient had received treatments of Lovastatin in 2000 and currently remains cancer-free, nearly nine years later. Medical professionals aren't sure that Lovastatin can as do as much for pleural mesothelioma patients as it did for the melanoma patient, but it is being heavily researched.
Lovostatin is thought to carry out its anti cancer effect by a process known as apoptosis. Apoptosis is also described as programmed cell death, according to the Reproductive and Cardiovascular Disease Research Group, Apoptosis occurs when a stimuli is introduced to a variety of cells in which the cells begin to? commit suicide.
Mesothelioma patients should seek to know the available clinical trails for new drugs like lovastatin that they can participate in.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Nearly 20 to 30 years ago, the drug's effects were known as killing cancerous cells, however, at that time it was too powerful to test on cancer patients. At that time, however, the anti-cancer effect was considered too risky to continue studying because of the extremely high doses that were needed to be given to a cancer patient. Researchers put the study on hold, according to news reports, until recently when scientists at a Nashville, Tenn clinic started providing the drug to pleural mesothelioma patients.
A stage-four melanoma patient had received treatments of Lovastatin in 2000 and currently remains cancer-free, nearly nine years later. Medical professionals aren't sure that Lovastatin can as do as much for pleural mesothelioma patients as it did for the melanoma patient, but it is being heavily researched.
Lovostatin is thought to carry out its anti cancer effect by a process known as apoptosis. Apoptosis is also described as programmed cell death, according to the Reproductive and Cardiovascular Disease Research Group, Apoptosis occurs when a stimuli is introduced to a variety of cells in which the cells begin to? commit suicide.
Mesothelioma patients should seek to know the available clinical trails for new drugs like lovastatin that they can participate in.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Friday, August 14, 2009
Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma-4 commonly asked questions
Immunotherapy is one of the exciting new methods of treating mesothelioma that is currently being studied. Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system to fight off the cancer. The main problem in cancers like mesothelioma is they have deceived the body into thinking that they are normal cells, and because of this the immune system is not able to attack them. This form of therapy helps the immune system to rightly recognize these alien cancer cells and fight them accordingly. Commonly asked questions about immunotherapy are:
1. What does immunotherapy do?
The chemicals that doctors use to provoke the immune system response are known as biological response modifiers, or BRMs. These chemicals make the immune system to recognize mesothelioma cells as bad and begin to attack them. The body produces many BRMS, but in the case of cancers with prolonged malignancy like mesothelioma, scientists replicate and enhance the natural defense of the body to make it easier to kill off the cancer.
2. What are the different types of immunotherapy?
There are a number of different immunotherapies for mesothelioma. They include: -Interferons: one of the original immunotherapies, Interferon stops the growth of cancer cells and boosts the immune systems to fight the disease. -Antiangiogenics: These drugs inhibit the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors with the blood they need to survive. -Monoclonal antibodies: These proteins seek out and kill foreign bodies, and can be programmed to discern abnormal proteins that exist on the exterior of cancer cells. -Interleukin2: This bodily protein which is a part of the natural immune system can also be used to prime the normal process.
3. How does immunotherapy work?
By stimulating the immune system, immunotherapy can prevent the cancer from spreading into other tissue systems, and regulate and suppress the body's ability to grow new cancer. Hopefully, as research progresses it will be found that immunotherapy can even reverse the ability of cancerous cells to make other cells cancerous, and perhaps without significant side effects.
4. What is the future of immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is still a relatively new method of cancer treatment. It is still in the stage of various clinical trials and there is yet no guarantee of success, though it has been effective in some animal tests. Some challenges are still being posed by the nature of mesothelioma itself.
Some immunotherapy require samples of the tumor to understand what kinds of antibodies it contains. Unfortunately, because mesothelioma is such a complicated cancer, there are sometimes not enough distinguishable antibodies within the tumor to make a custom designed drug. Using this kind of drug could actually kill healthy cells because it will not be able to distinguish between the normal healthy tissue and the cancerous cells. This can lead to catastrophic results.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
1. What does immunotherapy do?
The chemicals that doctors use to provoke the immune system response are known as biological response modifiers, or BRMs. These chemicals make the immune system to recognize mesothelioma cells as bad and begin to attack them. The body produces many BRMS, but in the case of cancers with prolonged malignancy like mesothelioma, scientists replicate and enhance the natural defense of the body to make it easier to kill off the cancer.
2. What are the different types of immunotherapy?
There are a number of different immunotherapies for mesothelioma. They include: -Interferons: one of the original immunotherapies, Interferon stops the growth of cancer cells and boosts the immune systems to fight the disease. -Antiangiogenics: These drugs inhibit the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors with the blood they need to survive. -Monoclonal antibodies: These proteins seek out and kill foreign bodies, and can be programmed to discern abnormal proteins that exist on the exterior of cancer cells. -Interleukin2: This bodily protein which is a part of the natural immune system can also be used to prime the normal process.
3. How does immunotherapy work?
By stimulating the immune system, immunotherapy can prevent the cancer from spreading into other tissue systems, and regulate and suppress the body's ability to grow new cancer. Hopefully, as research progresses it will be found that immunotherapy can even reverse the ability of cancerous cells to make other cells cancerous, and perhaps without significant side effects.
4. What is the future of immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is still a relatively new method of cancer treatment. It is still in the stage of various clinical trials and there is yet no guarantee of success, though it has been effective in some animal tests. Some challenges are still being posed by the nature of mesothelioma itself.
Some immunotherapy require samples of the tumor to understand what kinds of antibodies it contains. Unfortunately, because mesothelioma is such a complicated cancer, there are sometimes not enough distinguishable antibodies within the tumor to make a custom designed drug. Using this kind of drug could actually kill healthy cells because it will not be able to distinguish between the normal healthy tissue and the cancerous cells. This can lead to catastrophic results.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Important Nutritional Tips For Mesothelioma Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments that cancer patients can to treat the disease. It involves the use of anticancer drugs to kill the cancer cells, however normal cells are also destroyed in the process.
This destruction of cancer cells leaves the body in a weak state. In addition, chemotherapy has a number of side effects, such as nausea. If cancer patients do not eat properly, they can become malnourished and pass away not from cancer, but from an infection or other illness in their weakened state. These are some tips to improve the nutrition of patients undergoing chemotherapy:
1-. Chemotherapy can cause anorexia{poor appetite} so choose foods that really pack a nutritional punch, so when you do eat, even if it is just a small amount, you are consuming nutritional foods high in protein and calories. Keep healthy snacks with you at all times. You should also consider adding daily multivitamin to boost your diet, but you must discuss this with your doctor before you add them.
2-Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also cause constipation and diarrhea - sometimes both in the same patient. To avoid these problems, drink plenty of fluids and avoid anything with caffeine. You may also want to cut most of the dairy out of your diet. Foods with good soluble fiber, such as mashed potatoes and bananas, can also be added to your diet to help with constipation and diarrhea.
3-One of the best ways to boost your diet during chemotherapy is to add as much protein to your diet as possible. Proteins, such as those found in meat, nuts and beans, can help you feel better during treatment, and can help fight cancer more effectively. Even if you do not care for meat or are dealing with anorexia, there are many ways to add protein to your diet. Here are some great tips for integrating protein whenever possible:
• When making pasta, add a beaten egg at the last second. As you stir, the heat will cook the egg, adding a great source of protein.
• Eat peanut butter with fruit.
• Add extra beans to soups and other dishes.
• Add powdered milk to recipes like muffins, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf.
• Prepare protein drinks and keep them with you all day, so you can get protein even just a sip at a time.
• Nuts are a great protein-enriched snack to carry with you throughout the day.
You can talk to a dietician about more ways to add protein to your diet.
4-In addition, if you're dealing with anorexia, your should add many calories to your diet to keep up strength. Some of the best ways to do this include:
• Spread butter or margarine on crackers.
• Stir unsweetened whipped cream into mashed potatoes.
• Add honey to cereal or desserts.
• Sprinkle granola into yogurt.
• Choose dried fruits as a healthy snack, and add them to meals or baked goods when possible.
A mesothelioma patient should seek to know as much as possible about the different methods of treating the disease so that they can cooperate maximally with treatment.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
This destruction of cancer cells leaves the body in a weak state. In addition, chemotherapy has a number of side effects, such as nausea. If cancer patients do not eat properly, they can become malnourished and pass away not from cancer, but from an infection or other illness in their weakened state. These are some tips to improve the nutrition of patients undergoing chemotherapy:
1-. Chemotherapy can cause anorexia{poor appetite} so choose foods that really pack a nutritional punch, so when you do eat, even if it is just a small amount, you are consuming nutritional foods high in protein and calories. Keep healthy snacks with you at all times. You should also consider adding daily multivitamin to boost your diet, but you must discuss this with your doctor before you add them.
2-Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also cause constipation and diarrhea - sometimes both in the same patient. To avoid these problems, drink plenty of fluids and avoid anything with caffeine. You may also want to cut most of the dairy out of your diet. Foods with good soluble fiber, such as mashed potatoes and bananas, can also be added to your diet to help with constipation and diarrhea.
3-One of the best ways to boost your diet during chemotherapy is to add as much protein to your diet as possible. Proteins, such as those found in meat, nuts and beans, can help you feel better during treatment, and can help fight cancer more effectively. Even if you do not care for meat or are dealing with anorexia, there are many ways to add protein to your diet. Here are some great tips for integrating protein whenever possible:
• When making pasta, add a beaten egg at the last second. As you stir, the heat will cook the egg, adding a great source of protein.
• Eat peanut butter with fruit.
• Add extra beans to soups and other dishes.
• Add powdered milk to recipes like muffins, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf.
• Prepare protein drinks and keep them with you all day, so you can get protein even just a sip at a time.
• Nuts are a great protein-enriched snack to carry with you throughout the day.
You can talk to a dietician about more ways to add protein to your diet.
4-In addition, if you're dealing with anorexia, your should add many calories to your diet to keep up strength. Some of the best ways to do this include:
• Spread butter or margarine on crackers.
• Stir unsweetened whipped cream into mashed potatoes.
• Add honey to cereal or desserts.
• Sprinkle granola into yogurt.
• Choose dried fruits as a healthy snack, and add them to meals or baked goods when possible.
A mesothelioma patient should seek to know as much as possible about the different methods of treating the disease so that they can cooperate maximally with treatment.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
20 Questions Every Mesothelioma Victim Should Ask Their Doctor
Every mesothelioma patient should have an open discussion with their oncologist. They should ask their doctor the following questions:
1-What is the type of mesothelioma that I have?
3-Has my cancer spread beyond the primary site?
2-What is the stage (extent) of my cancer, and what exactly does its stage signify?
5-Is my cancer likely to be resectable{surgically removable}?
4-Do I still need to do some other tests before I can commence treatment?
6-How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer? 7-Should I get a second opinion?
8-What are the different treatment options available to me?
9-What is the aim of my treatment?
10-What type of treatment do you recommend and why?
11-What risks or side effects of the type of treatment you are recommending?
12-What should I do to be ready for treatment?
13-How long will treatment last?
14-What will it involve?
15- Where will it be done?
16- Will the treatment affect my daily activities?
17-What should I do if there is a re occurrence of the cancer?
18-Will I need follow up after treatment? If so what type of follow up will I need?
19-What are the available clinical trials that I may participate in?
20-What is my likely prognosis {lifespan}?
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
1-What is the type of mesothelioma that I have?
3-Has my cancer spread beyond the primary site?
2-What is the stage (extent) of my cancer, and what exactly does its stage signify?
5-Is my cancer likely to be resectable{surgically removable}?
4-Do I still need to do some other tests before I can commence treatment?
6-How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer? 7-Should I get a second opinion?
8-What are the different treatment options available to me?
9-What is the aim of my treatment?
10-What type of treatment do you recommend and why?
11-What risks or side effects of the type of treatment you are recommending?
12-What should I do to be ready for treatment?
13-How long will treatment last?
14-What will it involve?
15- Where will it be done?
16- Will the treatment affect my daily activities?
17-What should I do if there is a re occurrence of the cancer?
18-Will I need follow up after treatment? If so what type of follow up will I need?
19-What are the available clinical trials that I may participate in?
20-What is my likely prognosis {lifespan}?
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
6 Types of Asbestos
According to the U.S. Bureau of Mines there are about 100 mineral fibers that are "asbestos-like" fibers but only six of them are recognized and regulated by the US government. When mentioning asbestos, most of the time these 6 fibrous minerals are being referred to.
The six asbestos minerals recognized by the government are:
- tremolite asbestos
- actinolite asbestos,
- anthophyllite asbestos,
- chrysotile asbestos,
- amosite asbestos,
- crocidolite asbestos.
These six types are broadly classified into two groups: 1}Serpentine group consisting only of the chrysolite asbestos , 2} Amphibole group consisting of the remaining five different asbestos.
The difference between these two main groups is in their physical structure, the serpentine group is made up of minerals that have a layered form and curly fibers while the amphibole group contains minerals that have straight fibers with a chain-like structure.
1-Chrysotile asbestos
These are also known as white asbestos and they are made up of fine, silky, flexible white fibers. Chrysotile consists of minerals crystallized in a serpentine pattern that means it consists of crystals that are formed in sheets. It is the commonest type of asbestos accounting for approximately 95 percent of all asbestos commercially used in the United States. Due to the widespread use of this fiber, chrysotile accounts for the majority of asbestos-related health problems throughout the world.
2-Tremolite
This type of asbestos is found commonly in most metamorphic rocks. Its color ranges from a creamy white to dark green. Tremolite asbestos has been used for industrial purposes (though not as much as chrysotile) and has been identified as an ingredient in some household products, primarily talcum powder (which is also a known carcinogen). This form of asbestos is the main asbestos type found in the infamous vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana.
3-Actinolite asbestos
This is a relatively common mineral also found in metamorphic rocks. The colour of this type of asbestos is usually green, white, or gray and it is closely related to the tremolite mineral (actinolite contains a greater presence of iron over magnesium than tremolite). Actinolite does not have a strong history of commercial or industrial use, but it may be a contaminant in asbestos products. There are non-fibrous variants of actinolite that do not pose the same health threats associated with exposure to commercially exploited forms of asbestos.
4-Anthophyllite asbestos
This type of asbestos fibers is commonly identified by its brittle white fibers that are made of crystals and have a chain-like appearance. This type of asbestos is a common contaminant of talc. Although anthophyllite asbestos is not often used for industrial purposes, the fibers can occasionally be found among natural minerals that expand with the application of heat, such as vermiculite (which is commonly added to gardening soil).
5-Amosite asbestos
This type of asbestos is identified by its straight, brittle fibers that are light gray to brown in color. Amosite is also known as brown asbestos. In years past, amosite was often used as an insulating material and at one time it was the second-most commonly used type of asbestos. Throughout recent decades, commercial production of amosite has decreased and its use as an insulating material has been banned in many countries.
6-Crocidolite asbestos
These are commonly known as blue asbestos, and it is identified by its straight blue fibers. This form is believed to be the most dangerous form of asbestos. Crocidolite asbestos occurs naturally in locations such as Australia, South Africa, Bolivia, the former Soviet Union, and Canada.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
The six asbestos minerals recognized by the government are:
- tremolite asbestos
- actinolite asbestos,
- anthophyllite asbestos,
- chrysotile asbestos,
- amosite asbestos,
- crocidolite asbestos.
These six types are broadly classified into two groups: 1}Serpentine group consisting only of the chrysolite asbestos , 2} Amphibole group consisting of the remaining five different asbestos.
The difference between these two main groups is in their physical structure, the serpentine group is made up of minerals that have a layered form and curly fibers while the amphibole group contains minerals that have straight fibers with a chain-like structure.
1-Chrysotile asbestos
These are also known as white asbestos and they are made up of fine, silky, flexible white fibers. Chrysotile consists of minerals crystallized in a serpentine pattern that means it consists of crystals that are formed in sheets. It is the commonest type of asbestos accounting for approximately 95 percent of all asbestos commercially used in the United States. Due to the widespread use of this fiber, chrysotile accounts for the majority of asbestos-related health problems throughout the world.
2-Tremolite
This type of asbestos is found commonly in most metamorphic rocks. Its color ranges from a creamy white to dark green. Tremolite asbestos has been used for industrial purposes (though not as much as chrysotile) and has been identified as an ingredient in some household products, primarily talcum powder (which is also a known carcinogen). This form of asbestos is the main asbestos type found in the infamous vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana.
3-Actinolite asbestos
This is a relatively common mineral also found in metamorphic rocks. The colour of this type of asbestos is usually green, white, or gray and it is closely related to the tremolite mineral (actinolite contains a greater presence of iron over magnesium than tremolite). Actinolite does not have a strong history of commercial or industrial use, but it may be a contaminant in asbestos products. There are non-fibrous variants of actinolite that do not pose the same health threats associated with exposure to commercially exploited forms of asbestos.
4-Anthophyllite asbestos
This type of asbestos fibers is commonly identified by its brittle white fibers that are made of crystals and have a chain-like appearance. This type of asbestos is a common contaminant of talc. Although anthophyllite asbestos is not often used for industrial purposes, the fibers can occasionally be found among natural minerals that expand with the application of heat, such as vermiculite (which is commonly added to gardening soil).
5-Amosite asbestos
This type of asbestos is identified by its straight, brittle fibers that are light gray to brown in color. Amosite is also known as brown asbestos. In years past, amosite was often used as an insulating material and at one time it was the second-most commonly used type of asbestos. Throughout recent decades, commercial production of amosite has decreased and its use as an insulating material has been banned in many countries.
6-Crocidolite asbestos
These are commonly known as blue asbestos, and it is identified by its straight blue fibers. This form is believed to be the most dangerous form of asbestos. Crocidolite asbestos occurs naturally in locations such as Australia, South Africa, Bolivia, the former Soviet Union, and Canada.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Monday, August 10, 2009
What Are The Two Main Types Of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure usually occurs in two main ways. Once the body is exposed to asbestos the fibers can be inhaled in the air. Upon inhalation, the asbestos fibers are very difficult to eliminate and they body experiences extreme difficulty in expelling these fibers and they become lodged in the lungs leading to inflammation and irritation, but the symptoms of the mesothelioma especially may not be seen for 20 years or more. Asbestos fibers are very difficult to break down and remain a constant source of irritation in the lung, which can result in asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. There are two main types of asbestos exposure:
1- Occupational exposure
This type of exposure occurs while working around asbestos. It is the most common form of asbestos exposure. Many occupations have faced asbestos exposure in the past, including miners and manufacturers of asbestos products, shipbuilders, brake mechanics, and a variety of other industrial workers.
2-Contact with naturally occurring asbestos is another form of exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that is found in many places throughout the United States. While naturally occurring asbestos poses little threat to human health if left undisturbed, there are locations throughout the U.S. that have experienced a veritable threat of hazardous exposure. Particularly in California, much of the naturally occurring asbestos is close enough to the surface of the soil that it is easily disturbed. When disturbed by wind, landscaping, construction, or other forms of human activity, asbestos particles become airborne and present a health hazard.
Another location where naturally occurring asbestos has been a serious problem is Libby, Montana, where vermiculite that was mined from the area was contaminated with asbestos. The mining process not only released asbestos fibers into the air, but the vermiculite that was sold around the world was heavily contaminated with this toxic mineral.
Since most asbestos exposure occurs at the place of work, most victims of asbestos related diseases are entitled to compensation from the companies that wrongfully exposed them.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
1- Occupational exposure
This type of exposure occurs while working around asbestos. It is the most common form of asbestos exposure. Many occupations have faced asbestos exposure in the past, including miners and manufacturers of asbestos products, shipbuilders, brake mechanics, and a variety of other industrial workers.
2-Contact with naturally occurring asbestos is another form of exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that is found in many places throughout the United States. While naturally occurring asbestos poses little threat to human health if left undisturbed, there are locations throughout the U.S. that have experienced a veritable threat of hazardous exposure. Particularly in California, much of the naturally occurring asbestos is close enough to the surface of the soil that it is easily disturbed. When disturbed by wind, landscaping, construction, or other forms of human activity, asbestos particles become airborne and present a health hazard.
Another location where naturally occurring asbestos has been a serious problem is Libby, Montana, where vermiculite that was mined from the area was contaminated with asbestos. The mining process not only released asbestos fibers into the air, but the vermiculite that was sold around the world was heavily contaminated with this toxic mineral.
Since most asbestos exposure occurs at the place of work, most victims of asbestos related diseases are entitled to compensation from the companies that wrongfully exposed them.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Mesothelioma Settlements-Out Of Court Settlements
From 1929 when the first asbestos related lawsuit was filed in the US up till now more than 700,000 asbestos related lawsuits have been filed. Most often victims of asbestos related diseases come down with symptoms of the diseases 20-30 years after the initial exposure {the disease has a very long incubation period}, thus most of the cases of mesothelioma are just showing up in the nineties and after the year 2000.
The victims of asbestos related diseases usually initiate legal procedures to claim damages and compensation and there are different ways of collecting compensation.
One of the ways to collect compensations that the victim can use is to get an out of court settlement An out of court settlement is a common way of settling an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim will first file an asbestos lawsuit , after which if the defendant agrees an out of court settlement it will save time and the expenses that will have arisen from the process of a trial.
Some companies opt for this type of settlement so as to avoid been slammed with a hefty compensation. Sometimes however the amount of money offered by the company is far below what will be regarded as been fair by the victim and in such cases it is advisable to continue with the pursuit of the lawsuit. If the trail does go to court it does not completely rule out the possibility of an out of court settlement as the company might reconsider their proposal after some time.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
The victims of asbestos related diseases usually initiate legal procedures to claim damages and compensation and there are different ways of collecting compensation.
One of the ways to collect compensations that the victim can use is to get an out of court settlement An out of court settlement is a common way of settling an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim will first file an asbestos lawsuit , after which if the defendant agrees an out of court settlement it will save time and the expenses that will have arisen from the process of a trial.
Some companies opt for this type of settlement so as to avoid been slammed with a hefty compensation. Sometimes however the amount of money offered by the company is far below what will be regarded as been fair by the victim and in such cases it is advisable to continue with the pursuit of the lawsuit. If the trail does go to court it does not completely rule out the possibility of an out of court settlement as the company might reconsider their proposal after some time.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Mesothelioma Settlements- Class Action Law Suits and Settlement Trust
Mesothelioma is most times caused by exposure to asbestos fibers usually at the work place. Most asbestos companies despite knowing the dangers of exposure to this harmful substance exposed their innocent workers to the substance. These companies can be made to pay for their negligence if the victim seeks for compensation through the means of a lawsuit. Two ways through which a victim can receive compensation are a} through a class action lawsuit and b} through a settlement trust.
Class Action Lawsuit
This is a large suit filed on behalf of a group or class of people. If you are involved in this type of lawsuit without your prior knowledge, you might be notified by the lawyer in charge of the class action lawsuit of your involvement in your involvement in the lawsuit. When you receive this type of notification you should read it carefully and if you do not wish to be included in the lawsuit you should inform the lawyer to remove your name from the list of people involved in the lawsuit.
This type of lawsuit has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that with the large number of claimants involved an out of court settlement is likely saving you all the stress of passing through a trial.
The disadvantages of such a mass action lawsuit are:
1-You will have no control over the direction of the case, the lawyer will not be reporting to you alone but will be working for the interest of a large number of different plaintiffs.
2-Once you are partaking in a class action lawsuit you are not allowed by the law to take any other legal action against the company so you would not be able to collect any additional compensation later in future.
Settlement Trust
Sometimes by the time you file for compensation from an asbestos related company the company might have been declared bankrupt and to get a compensation you will have to file a claim with the company's established settlement trust. With this type of settlement there are neither court visits nor trial. You must hire an experienced mesothelioma attorney to fill a claim form and submit it to the settlement trust, your claim will be reviewed by the trustees of the fund who will approve for the payment of an amount of money to you. What you will get from this type of settlement is usually between 5-15% of the actual amount of your claim.
Every mesothelioma victim must be fully aware of all the legal options available to him/her and seek for expert legal representation.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Class Action Lawsuit
This is a large suit filed on behalf of a group or class of people. If you are involved in this type of lawsuit without your prior knowledge, you might be notified by the lawyer in charge of the class action lawsuit of your involvement in your involvement in the lawsuit. When you receive this type of notification you should read it carefully and if you do not wish to be included in the lawsuit you should inform the lawyer to remove your name from the list of people involved in the lawsuit.
This type of lawsuit has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that with the large number of claimants involved an out of court settlement is likely saving you all the stress of passing through a trial.
The disadvantages of such a mass action lawsuit are:
1-You will have no control over the direction of the case, the lawyer will not be reporting to you alone but will be working for the interest of a large number of different plaintiffs.
2-Once you are partaking in a class action lawsuit you are not allowed by the law to take any other legal action against the company so you would not be able to collect any additional compensation later in future.
Settlement Trust
Sometimes by the time you file for compensation from an asbestos related company the company might have been declared bankrupt and to get a compensation you will have to file a claim with the company's established settlement trust. With this type of settlement there are neither court visits nor trial. You must hire an experienced mesothelioma attorney to fill a claim form and submit it to the settlement trust, your claim will be reviewed by the trustees of the fund who will approve for the payment of an amount of money to you. What you will get from this type of settlement is usually between 5-15% of the actual amount of your claim.
Every mesothelioma victim must be fully aware of all the legal options available to him/her and seek for expert legal representation.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Friday, August 7, 2009
Asbestos exposure-What Are The 4 Diseases That Are Commonly Associated With Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure results from breathing in asbestos fibers. If rocks, soil, or products containing asbestos are disturbed, they can release asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can be breathed into your lungs and could remain there for a lifetime. Most people don't show any signs or symptoms of asbestos-related disease for 10 to 20 years or more after exposure. When symptoms do appear, they can be similar to those of other diseases. Asbestos-related diseases can be divided into 1}cancerous and 2}non cancerous diseases:
Non-cancerous diseases
Asbestosis
This disease is characterized by scarring of the lungs. It is commonly occurs as result of exposure to high levels of asbestos over a long period of time, as seen in work-related asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing asbestosis. Initially there are no symptoms but latter some symptoms which show up include difficulty in breathing, chronic cough and chest pain.
Pleural changes or pleural plaques
This disease is characterized by thickening and hardening of the pleura (the pleura is the lining that covers the lungs and chest cavity). Most time the disease is asymptomatic {the people will have no symptoms}, but sometimes the affected victims may have decreased lung function. This might lead to the development of difficulty in breathing with exertion or sometimes at rest if the degree of lung dysfunction is severe.
Cancerous diseases
Lung cancer
This is cancer of the lungs and lung passages. Cigarette smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly increases the likelihood of lung cancer. Lung cancer caused by smoking or asbestos looks the same. Symptoms for lung cancer can vary. Some late stage symptoms can include chronic cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood.
Mesothelioma
This is a rare cancer mostly associated with asbestos exposure. It affects the lining of the lungs and sometimes the lining of the abdomen. Occasionally it affects the lining of the heart and the lining of the testis. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling and abdominal pain in case of abdominal mesothelioma. Other less common symptoms include haemoptysis {coughing up of blood} and excessive sweating.
These asbestos-related disease can be serious, though not everyone exposed to asbestos gets health problems. These diseases range form those that are mild and manageable to those that are very dangerous and very difficult to manage, leading ultimately to death.
Reference:Bello kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Non-cancerous diseases
Asbestosis
This disease is characterized by scarring of the lungs. It is commonly occurs as result of exposure to high levels of asbestos over a long period of time, as seen in work-related asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing asbestosis. Initially there are no symptoms but latter some symptoms which show up include difficulty in breathing, chronic cough and chest pain.
Pleural changes or pleural plaques
This disease is characterized by thickening and hardening of the pleura (the pleura is the lining that covers the lungs and chest cavity). Most time the disease is asymptomatic {the people will have no symptoms}, but sometimes the affected victims may have decreased lung function. This might lead to the development of difficulty in breathing with exertion or sometimes at rest if the degree of lung dysfunction is severe.
Cancerous diseases
Lung cancer
This is cancer of the lungs and lung passages. Cigarette smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly increases the likelihood of lung cancer. Lung cancer caused by smoking or asbestos looks the same. Symptoms for lung cancer can vary. Some late stage symptoms can include chronic cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood.
Mesothelioma
This is a rare cancer mostly associated with asbestos exposure. It affects the lining of the lungs and sometimes the lining of the abdomen. Occasionally it affects the lining of the heart and the lining of the testis. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling and abdominal pain in case of abdominal mesothelioma. Other less common symptoms include haemoptysis {coughing up of blood} and excessive sweating.
These asbestos-related disease can be serious, though not everyone exposed to asbestos gets health problems. These diseases range form those that are mild and manageable to those that are very dangerous and very difficult to manage, leading ultimately to death.
Reference:Bello kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Practical tips on how to reduce asbestos exposure
If you are living in an area where naturally occurring asbestos has been disturbed and the asbestos fibers are likely to become airborne, you should reduce your exposure to asbestos by taking the following steps:
-Walk, run, hike, and bike only on paved trails.
-Play only in outdoor areas with a ground covering such as wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, grass, asphalt, shredded rubber, or rubber mats.
-Pave over unpaved walkways, driveways, or roadways that may have asbestos-containing rock or soil.
-Cover asbestos-containing rock or soil in gardens and yards with asbestos-free soil or landscape covering.
-Pre-wet garden areas before digging or shoveling soil.
-Keep pets from carrying dust or dirt on their fur or feet into the home.
-Remove shoes before entering your home to prevent tracking in dirt. -Use doormats to lower the amount of soil that is tracked into the home
-Keep windows and doors closed on windy days and during nearby construction.
-Drive slowly over unpaved roads.
-Use a wet rag instead of a dry rag or duster to dust.
-Use a wet mop on non-carpeted floors. -Use washable area rugs on your floors and wash them regularly.
-Vacuum carpet often using a vacuum with a high-efficiency HEPA filter.
-Inspect your home for deteriorating asbestos-containing insulation, ceiling or floor tiles.
-Do not disturb asbestos-containing insulation, ceiling or floor tiles; hire a trained and certified asbestos contractor to remove the materials.
-Ask your employer if you are working with materials or in an environment containing asbestos. If you are, make sure you are properly protected from asbestos exposure
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
-Walk, run, hike, and bike only on paved trails.
-Play only in outdoor areas with a ground covering such as wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, grass, asphalt, shredded rubber, or rubber mats.
-Pave over unpaved walkways, driveways, or roadways that may have asbestos-containing rock or soil.
-Cover asbestos-containing rock or soil in gardens and yards with asbestos-free soil or landscape covering.
-Pre-wet garden areas before digging or shoveling soil.
-Keep pets from carrying dust or dirt on their fur or feet into the home.
-Remove shoes before entering your home to prevent tracking in dirt. -Use doormats to lower the amount of soil that is tracked into the home
-Keep windows and doors closed on windy days and during nearby construction.
-Drive slowly over unpaved roads.
-Use a wet rag instead of a dry rag or duster to dust.
-Use a wet mop on non-carpeted floors. -Use washable area rugs on your floors and wash them regularly.
-Vacuum carpet often using a vacuum with a high-efficiency HEPA filter.
-Inspect your home for deteriorating asbestos-containing insulation, ceiling or floor tiles.
-Do not disturb asbestos-containing insulation, ceiling or floor tiles; hire a trained and certified asbestos contractor to remove the materials.
-Ask your employer if you are working with materials or in an environment containing asbestos. If you are, make sure you are properly protected from asbestos exposure
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Asbestos Related Diseases-How are they treated?
The 4 main diseases that can result from exposure to asbestos are, a}chronic lung scarring known as asbestosis b} pleural plaques and pleural changes c} lung cancer d} mesothelioma. Some of these diseases like asbestosis and pleural plaques and pleural changes are not life threatening while lung cancer and mesothelioma are usually terminal illnesses. These diseases are all treated differently. Their various treatments are briefly outlined below.-
What is the treatment for asbestosis?
Preventive and supportive care is the primary treatments for asbestosis. If you are living in an area where there is high risk of asbestos exposure you must take practical steps to reduce your exposure Asbestosis can remain stable or increase in severity, but rarely gets better. Scarring of the lungs is permanent and no method exists to remove it from the lungs.
What is the treatment for pleural changes?
Treatment for pleural changes involves mainly preventive and supportive care. There is no known cure. What is the treatment for lung cancer?
Lung cancer treatment depends on:
Location of the cancer
Stage of the disease
Age of the patient
General health of the patient
Treatment options include:
-Chemotherapy - This involves the use of powerful anti cancer drugs which selectively target cancer cells for destruction. Many of these agents however are not selective enough and they end up attacking normal cells in the body too leading to the development of various unpleasant side effects that can discourage the victim from further use.
-Radiation therapy -This involvers the use of high energy ionizing radiation to kill the cancerous cells. The radiation can be from an external source outside the body or it can be from an internal source placed close to the tumor area. Radiation also destroys nearby healthy tissues leading to serious side effects.
- Combination therapy involving the simultaneous use of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy together.
-Surgery- The diseased part of the lung can be removed surgically in an attempt to achieve a cure. This method of treatment is only used for patients in the early stage of the disease.
What is the treatment for mesothelioma?
Depending on the stage of the disease, the age of the patient, the cellular type of mesothelioma, the general state of the patient, mesothelioma treatment options include:
Chemotherapy -Anti cancer drugs are used to destroy the cancer cells. This method however has a lot of unpleasant side effects.
Radiation -High energy radiation are beamed unto the cancerous area to kill the cancer cells.
Surgery- Different surgical methods are used to attempt to remove the tumor mass.
Most times treatment is carried out by the combination of all these different modes of treatment.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
What is the treatment for asbestosis?
Preventive and supportive care is the primary treatments for asbestosis. If you are living in an area where there is high risk of asbestos exposure you must take practical steps to reduce your exposure Asbestosis can remain stable or increase in severity, but rarely gets better. Scarring of the lungs is permanent and no method exists to remove it from the lungs.
What is the treatment for pleural changes?
Treatment for pleural changes involves mainly preventive and supportive care. There is no known cure. What is the treatment for lung cancer?
Lung cancer treatment depends on:
Location of the cancer
Stage of the disease
Age of the patient
General health of the patient
Treatment options include:
-Chemotherapy - This involves the use of powerful anti cancer drugs which selectively target cancer cells for destruction. Many of these agents however are not selective enough and they end up attacking normal cells in the body too leading to the development of various unpleasant side effects that can discourage the victim from further use.
-Radiation therapy -This involvers the use of high energy ionizing radiation to kill the cancerous cells. The radiation can be from an external source outside the body or it can be from an internal source placed close to the tumor area. Radiation also destroys nearby healthy tissues leading to serious side effects.
- Combination therapy involving the simultaneous use of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy together.
-Surgery- The diseased part of the lung can be removed surgically in an attempt to achieve a cure. This method of treatment is only used for patients in the early stage of the disease.
What is the treatment for mesothelioma?
Depending on the stage of the disease, the age of the patient, the cellular type of mesothelioma, the general state of the patient, mesothelioma treatment options include:
Chemotherapy -Anti cancer drugs are used to destroy the cancer cells. This method however has a lot of unpleasant side effects.
Radiation -High energy radiation are beamed unto the cancerous area to kill the cancer cells.
Surgery- Different surgical methods are used to attempt to remove the tumor mass.
Most times treatment is carried out by the combination of all these different modes of treatment.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Three Important Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments
Alternative treatments for Mesothelioma are available for those who have tried other more conventional treatments which have given them the desired improvement they want. These conventional treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.
Some of these alternative treatments have shown to be quite effective while others are not as effective as expected, some can even be counter productive. To be sure that any potential treatments are safe, you should always discuss these alternatives fully with your doctor and be aware of not only the potential benefits but the risks as well.
Some alternative mesothelioma treatment options are currently being used in clinical trials. Ask your doctor about any mesothelioma or asbestos related clinical trials which you might be eligible for, these treatments are always carefully monitored and free to the patient.
These are three good alternative therapies that can be used by mesothelioma patients:
1-Immune System Enhancers
CoEnzyme Q10-This is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that enhances the function of the immune system. This enzyme can boost the immune system which will then be able to recognize the tumor cells as being foreign agents and will initiate a strong immunological attack of the tumor cells killing them in the process. It is also believed that this enzyme is capable of inhibiting oxidation in the body's cells and oxidation is an important step in cancer growth. It is also said to be effective for other asbestos related illnesses. CoEnzyme Q10 can be given at regular intervals.
2-Infectious Agents
Coley Toxins are toxins in the form of infectious agents, which are injected into the blood stream. These are usually given intravenously and must be prepared by a licensed doctor in an office or clinical setting to ensure safety and prevent contamination. Various combination's of infectious agents, enzymes and toxins can be mixed to produce a personalized "Coley toxin cocktail" that is best for your form of mesothelioma. This method of treating mesothelioma is rather like getting a "bacterial vaccine" against the cancer, and is often used in conjunction with more traditional alternatives of treating mesothelioma.
3-Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a highly advanced form of mesothelioma therapy. A photosensitive isotope is injected intravenously into the patient and after some days when this agent would have been well absorbed into the tumor cells, laser light is directed unto the area of the tumor, this causes activation of the isotope which leads to the destruction of the tumor cells.
If you are considering using alternative therapy for treating mesothelioma, you should get more knowledge about these therapies and get to know all their advantages and disadvantages so that you can make an informed decision about the alternative treatment you want.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Some of these alternative treatments have shown to be quite effective while others are not as effective as expected, some can even be counter productive. To be sure that any potential treatments are safe, you should always discuss these alternatives fully with your doctor and be aware of not only the potential benefits but the risks as well.
Some alternative mesothelioma treatment options are currently being used in clinical trials. Ask your doctor about any mesothelioma or asbestos related clinical trials which you might be eligible for, these treatments are always carefully monitored and free to the patient.
These are three good alternative therapies that can be used by mesothelioma patients:
1-Immune System Enhancers
CoEnzyme Q10-This is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that enhances the function of the immune system. This enzyme can boost the immune system which will then be able to recognize the tumor cells as being foreign agents and will initiate a strong immunological attack of the tumor cells killing them in the process. It is also believed that this enzyme is capable of inhibiting oxidation in the body's cells and oxidation is an important step in cancer growth. It is also said to be effective for other asbestos related illnesses. CoEnzyme Q10 can be given at regular intervals.
2-Infectious Agents
Coley Toxins are toxins in the form of infectious agents, which are injected into the blood stream. These are usually given intravenously and must be prepared by a licensed doctor in an office or clinical setting to ensure safety and prevent contamination. Various combination's of infectious agents, enzymes and toxins can be mixed to produce a personalized "Coley toxin cocktail" that is best for your form of mesothelioma. This method of treating mesothelioma is rather like getting a "bacterial vaccine" against the cancer, and is often used in conjunction with more traditional alternatives of treating mesothelioma.
3-Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a highly advanced form of mesothelioma therapy. A photosensitive isotope is injected intravenously into the patient and after some days when this agent would have been well absorbed into the tumor cells, laser light is directed unto the area of the tumor, this causes activation of the isotope which leads to the destruction of the tumor cells.
If you are considering using alternative therapy for treating mesothelioma, you should get more knowledge about these therapies and get to know all their advantages and disadvantages so that you can make an informed decision about the alternative treatment you want.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Monday, August 3, 2009
How Far Has Your Mesothelioma Cancer Spread?
Doctors often rely on knowing the different stages of mesothelioma to be able to effectively treat this type of cancer. Like most other cancers, this type of cancer passes through different stages as the disease advances, these different stages have significant bearing on the type of treatment that will be prescribed and on the most likely outcome of the disease.
The various mesothelioma stages generally indicate how far the disease has progressed beyond its original point of origin. Localized mesothelioma is diagnosed when the cancer has not spread beyond the membrane (most often the lining of the lungs) in which it originated. If the cancer cells have spread beyond this lining to invade the lungs, chest wall cavity or other body organs it is considered an advanced mesothelioma stage, which is much more difficult to treat. Beyond this informal localized vs. advanced classification, four distinct stages are recognized by each of the two most widely used mesothelioma staging systems. One system, the TNM staging system, is used most often in progressive cancer treatment centers and is recognized by the American Cancer Society as the most accurate mesothelioma staging system. The other, the Butchart Staging System, is the most common system for staging cancer in general.
Butchart Mesothelioma Stages
The Butchart system classifies mesothelioma cancer into four different stages depending on the stage of the main tumor mass. • Stage I - Cancer is only seen in one side of the chest lining, or pleura
• Stage II - The mesothelioma has spread to any one of the chest wall, esophagus or heart or the lymph nodes of the chest
• Stage III - The cancer has invaded the diaphragm and the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal cancer) or has spread to additional lymph nodes in the body
• Stage IV - Mesothelioma has spread to several major organs The Butchart staging system has been replaced largely by the TNM system for classifying mesothelioma cancer stages.
TNM Staging System
TNM stands for Tumor, Nodes and Metastasis; three keys to determining how advanced mesothelioma cancer is using this system. T stands for the extent of the tumor, N for how advanced the disease is in the lymph nodes and M for the extent of spread of the cancer into other organs.
• Stage I - Mesothelioma is restricted to the pleura of the chest and has not spread to other areas.
• Stage II - The cancer has spread to the pleural lining and to the outer lining of the lung or into the lung itself.
• Stage III - In addition to the pleura, mesothelioma spreads to part of the chest cavity behind the breast bone or within the chest wall. This stage also usually includes cancer of the lymph nodes.
• Stage IV - The most advanced of the mesothelioma stages, when cancer has spread to major organs or the bones or brain. Metastasis refers to the generalized spreading of the cancer.
Each individual case of mesothelioma is different and these stages are not the only factors that determine the type of treatment and the prognosis of the disease. Other factors come into consideration.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
The various mesothelioma stages generally indicate how far the disease has progressed beyond its original point of origin. Localized mesothelioma is diagnosed when the cancer has not spread beyond the membrane (most often the lining of the lungs) in which it originated. If the cancer cells have spread beyond this lining to invade the lungs, chest wall cavity or other body organs it is considered an advanced mesothelioma stage, which is much more difficult to treat. Beyond this informal localized vs. advanced classification, four distinct stages are recognized by each of the two most widely used mesothelioma staging systems. One system, the TNM staging system, is used most often in progressive cancer treatment centers and is recognized by the American Cancer Society as the most accurate mesothelioma staging system. The other, the Butchart Staging System, is the most common system for staging cancer in general.
Butchart Mesothelioma Stages
The Butchart system classifies mesothelioma cancer into four different stages depending on the stage of the main tumor mass. • Stage I - Cancer is only seen in one side of the chest lining, or pleura
• Stage II - The mesothelioma has spread to any one of the chest wall, esophagus or heart or the lymph nodes of the chest
• Stage III - The cancer has invaded the diaphragm and the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal cancer) or has spread to additional lymph nodes in the body
• Stage IV - Mesothelioma has spread to several major organs The Butchart staging system has been replaced largely by the TNM system for classifying mesothelioma cancer stages.
TNM Staging System
TNM stands for Tumor, Nodes and Metastasis; three keys to determining how advanced mesothelioma cancer is using this system. T stands for the extent of the tumor, N for how advanced the disease is in the lymph nodes and M for the extent of spread of the cancer into other organs.
• Stage I - Mesothelioma is restricted to the pleura of the chest and has not spread to other areas.
• Stage II - The cancer has spread to the pleural lining and to the outer lining of the lung or into the lung itself.
• Stage III - In addition to the pleura, mesothelioma spreads to part of the chest cavity behind the breast bone or within the chest wall. This stage also usually includes cancer of the lymph nodes.
• Stage IV - The most advanced of the mesothelioma stages, when cancer has spread to major organs or the bones or brain. Metastasis refers to the generalized spreading of the cancer.
Each individual case of mesothelioma is different and these stages are not the only factors that determine the type of treatment and the prognosis of the disease. Other factors come into consideration.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Specialist Mesothelioma Attorney- 4 Important reasons why you must choose a specialist Mesothelioma Asbestos Attorney
If you develop serious health problems as a result of previous exposure to asbestos you seek the services of a specialist asbestos mesothelioma attorney. These specialized law firms are a definite advantage to you and your family for a number of reasons:
1-Asbestos legal information is complex and confusing. By working with a law firm that is a specialist in asbestos litigation you will be rest assured that you are dealing with a lawyer that has deep and rich understanding of all the complexities of asbestos law. They will be able to explain things clearly to you and will give you the necessary guidance so that you will not make any grave mistake while you are pursuing your lawsuit.
2- Asbestos legal claim information is very dynamic. Changes are made to asbestos related laws every year, these laws are constantly revised, and changed. New laws are also being enacted regularly so your lawyer must be an expert who is always abreast of all the latest legislation and legal strategies. If you choose a lawyer that is not current with the latest legislation and legal strategies you are most likely going to fail in your bid to secure compensation. Your attorney must have all the current information on latest legal information on asbestos related lawsuits if you are going to stand a chance of winning your lawsuit.
3-Choosing a specialist asbestos law firm will make your lawsuit move faster When you choose a specialist asbestos law firm they act quickly on your behalf. The specialist lawyer has navigated through the terrain many times before and will be able to get your lawsuit started and completed quickly. Since Mesothelioma and some other asbestos related diseases are often terminal cases you might have little time left to pursue a lawsuit.
4-Specialist Asbestos Law firms understand what you are passing through Firms that specialize in asbestos related cases understand what it is you are seeking. They understand the suffering and pain that you and your family are passing through as result of the diagnosis of mesothelioma or other asbestos related diseases that you have. They tend to be more motivated to offering genuine and adequate legal aid to help you secure all the damages that you are entitled to.
In order to make the process of seeking damages less painful, be sure you hire a lawyer who is a specialist in asbestos legal information. It will help make a truly distressing process a bit easier while getting you the justice and compensation you deserve. To get a competent specialist attorney you need to seek for more information on how to locate them.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
1-Asbestos legal information is complex and confusing. By working with a law firm that is a specialist in asbestos litigation you will be rest assured that you are dealing with a lawyer that has deep and rich understanding of all the complexities of asbestos law. They will be able to explain things clearly to you and will give you the necessary guidance so that you will not make any grave mistake while you are pursuing your lawsuit.
2- Asbestos legal claim information is very dynamic. Changes are made to asbestos related laws every year, these laws are constantly revised, and changed. New laws are also being enacted regularly so your lawyer must be an expert who is always abreast of all the latest legislation and legal strategies. If you choose a lawyer that is not current with the latest legislation and legal strategies you are most likely going to fail in your bid to secure compensation. Your attorney must have all the current information on latest legal information on asbestos related lawsuits if you are going to stand a chance of winning your lawsuit.
3-Choosing a specialist asbestos law firm will make your lawsuit move faster When you choose a specialist asbestos law firm they act quickly on your behalf. The specialist lawyer has navigated through the terrain many times before and will be able to get your lawsuit started and completed quickly. Since Mesothelioma and some other asbestos related diseases are often terminal cases you might have little time left to pursue a lawsuit.
4-Specialist Asbestos Law firms understand what you are passing through Firms that specialize in asbestos related cases understand what it is you are seeking. They understand the suffering and pain that you and your family are passing through as result of the diagnosis of mesothelioma or other asbestos related diseases that you have. They tend to be more motivated to offering genuine and adequate legal aid to help you secure all the damages that you are entitled to.
In order to make the process of seeking damages less painful, be sure you hire a lawyer who is a specialist in asbestos legal information. It will help make a truly distressing process a bit easier while getting you the justice and compensation you deserve. To get a competent specialist attorney you need to seek for more information on how to locate them.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Mesothelioma and the Dangers that it poses
Mesothelioma is one of those diseases that are still posing a challenge to the medical community. It is a type of cancer that afflicts the mesothelium, which forms a protective lining around the majority of the internal organs of the human body. Mesothelium has different nomenclature depending upon which particular organ it is covering. For instance, pleura membrane covers the lungs and the chest cavity, peritoneum covers the abdominal cavity, pericardium surrounds the heart, and tunica vaginalis testis surrounds the male internal reproductive organs, whereas tunica serosa uteri cover the female reproductive organs.
Mesothelioma is generally caused by the exposure to a particular mineral known as asbestos. The presence of asbestos particles in the mesothelium is generally responsible for the development of this cancer. Majority of the cases of mesothelioma are of those of the pleural region and the peritoneal region. The mesothelioma cases of the other regions are very few in number.
The matter of concern regarding the mesothelioma is that the asbestos fibers once lodged inside mesothelium stay dormant for a very long duration; sometimes up to 50 years. After this period of latency they start interfering with the working of the mesothelial cells. Exactly how they interfere is still under investigation, yet what is known is that the asbestos particles cause the unregulated growth of the mesothelial cells that leads to the formation of the cancerous tissues. By the time the disease is diagnosed as mesothelioma it is well into its later stages where any kind of treatment would just help in alleviating the pain and not cure the disease.
Reference: Kevin smith
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