What is mesothelioma?What is mesothelioma? This is a type of cancer that is a direct result of being in close contact with asbestos, or by breathing in asbestos fibres. Asbestos is now banned for use in Europe, but many people some 20 - 50 years after working with it, are still becoming affected by mesothelioma. It can take the form of pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). There are two pleura. These can be called pleural membranes. The gap between them is called the pleural space. They produce a lubricating fluid that fills the gap between the two pleura. This helps the lungs to move smoothly in the chest when they are inflating and deflating as we breathe in and out. Another form of the disease is peritoneal mesothelioma and this affects the abdomen. The tissue lining the abdomen is called the peritoneum. It also produces a lubricating fluid. This helps the organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen as we move around. This form of the disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma does not usually spread to other parts of the body. The drug Alimta is used in the treatment of the disease and it is a chemotherapy drug. There are currently insufficient test results available to say whether herbal or homeopathic treatment is successful in the treatment of mesothelioma. However, there is extensive investigation going on into the disease and advances are being made year on year providing much hope to those suffering from the illness. Below is an article that I found relating to the causes for mesothelioma which I hope you find useful.
New Research Offers Hope for Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. While knowledge has increased over the past years, doctors and scientists alike still know relatively little about this aggressive disease that strikes the membranes encasing the lungs (pleura). What is known is the challenge in finding effective treatment options for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is the more common form of the disease, and as a result, doctors have a slight advantage in treating this type. Patients who develop peritoneal mesothelioma often face more promising prognoses, but fewer options when the outlook is less positive. The recent release of study results from the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City on potential peritoneal mesothelioma treatments comes as welcome news -- particularly to New York mesothelioma lawyers who represent many patients suffering from the disease. Study Results According to the American Journal of Oncology, the study reviewed a treatment regimen incorporating surgery, multiagent intraperitoneal chemotherapy and abdominal radiation. Results showed a median overall survival of 70 months and a three-year survival rate of 67%. Why is this important? While a three year survival rate may not sound like much to the layperson in good health, the truth is that any victory in the fight against mesothelioma is a major one. This cancer is different from many others in that doctors do understand its cause; asbestos exposure. Today companies in the Unites States follow strict laws regarding the use of asbestos, but corporate greed in decades past has produced a legacy of truly preventable cancer. Workers exposed to asbestos as long as 60 years ago can develop mesothelioma today. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your first step should be to contact a New York mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation. There are limits on the time in which you can file, so immediate action is important to secure compensation.
This article was submitted by Deirdre Reedy on behalf of Belluck & Fox, LLP Belluck & Fox, LLP The attorneys of Belluck & Fox, LLP help victims of asbestos -- including mesothelioma, unsafe products, toxic chemicals, medical malpractice, construction accidents, and serious injuries. Asbestos-related illnesses are a special focus of the firm -- they have filed mesothelioma cases across the state of New York and are dedicated to representing those affected by the disease. For more information about mesothelioma or to discuss your case, call Belluck & Fox toll-free at 1-877-LAW-NY07 or visit the website at http://www.belluckfox.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deirdre_Reedy
Below is another article with advice on how to deal with asbestos should it be in your home.
Training In Asbestos Removal
There are two ways that one can get diseases related to asbestos fibers - one is by inhaling the fibers at work or if there is asbestos present where you live, the other is handling the clothes or tools of people who have been exposed to these fibers. When you inhale the asbestos fibers, this fibrous substance can be the cause of deadly diseases and lung disorders. A lot of houses that were built between the 50s and the 70s will be found to contain a lot of asbestos material in their construction. It is a substance that was used extensively in construction and is still around today. If you live in a house built during this period, it might be worth your while from a health point of view to get your house checked for the presence of asbestos. It is quite likely that the asbestos in your home is in pretty good condition in which case it might just be more prudent to leave it be rather than disturb it. The problems with asbestos surface when it is disturbed or in a bad condition. Then the fibers which are microscopic get airborne and there are dangers when you or anyone in the family inhales them. If you find that the asbestos in a bad condition, it would be better to get it removed as quickly as possible. If you leave it undisturbed it would not be a good idea at all because it could just be releasing fibers into the air. So leaving it be or postponing removing it might be a disaster health wise. And when it comes to the removal of asbestos-containing material, it is best to leave it to the experts. Don't try and do it on your own because you could just be exposing yourself to risks untold. A task like this requires training and previous experience. Removal of asbestos material is a delicate process. It needs training as well as a certain discipline because the job should be thorough, making sure no asbestos fibers fly free to ruin someone's life. It also requires special tools and equipment. Someone who is trained and qualified will know exactly how to tackle it and what safety precautions ought to be taken before attempting such a task. He will also know what procedures are to be followed after removal. Here are a few steps that are usually followed and which it might be worth your while to know about before you hire a qualified person to do the job. Mae sure you inform everyone about the removal. This way you are sure that no one will inadvertently drop in and the family too can either stay away or out of harm's way. If you are going to be there, make sure you have protective gear like gloves, mask, clothing and a respirator. To make sure the fibers do not fly around, the precaution of wetting the surface is taken. This is done so that the fibers are bound to the surface and are not free to get airborne. At this point of time, ensure that your furniture and flooring are protected or out of the way. All it takes is a little care and your asbestos materials can be removed with the minimum of fuss and danger.
More information about ASBESTOS Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Miodrag_Trajkovic
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