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Possible Causes Of Mesothelioma
Possible Causes Of Mesothelioma
What is asbestos? It's a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral known for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, was used in thousands of products in the 20th century, including construction materials, machinery, automobiles, and consumer goods. Use of asbestos was banned in the early 1980s; however many companies made and sold this product right up until the ban. Malignant Mesothelioma has been validated by the scientific community to have one cause above all other causes: asbestos.
Radiation, like ionizing radiation, which consists of energetic forms of
light, X-rays, and gamma rays are all used in the diagnosis of disease.
However, a recent study has shown that such radiation can trigger
mesothelioma in some people.
What is the Simian Virus? The abbreviation for Simian Virus is SV40. It's a polymavirus that is a DNA virus that can cause tumors, but often persists as a latent infection. The query is can a virus, like SV40 cause the cancer mesothelioma? According to a study done by the Cancer Research Center of the University of Hawaii found that SV40 is present in some people with malignant mesothelioma.
The five main causes attributed towards the cancer called Mesothelioma
are: asbestos exposure, radiation, simian virus, tobacco use, and
zeolite.
What is asbestos? It's a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral known for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, was used in thousands of products in the 20th century, including construction materials, machinery, automobiles, and consumer goods. Use of asbestos was banned in the early 1980s; however many companies made and sold this product right up until the ban. Malignant Mesothelioma has been validated by the scientific community to have one cause above all other causes: asbestos.
Radiation, like ionizing radiation, which consists of energetic forms of
light, X-rays, and gamma rays are all used in the diagnosis of disease.
However, a recent study has shown that such radiation can trigger
mesothelioma in some people. What is the Simian Virus? The abbreviation for Simian Virus is SV40. It's a polymavirus that is a DNA virus that can cause tumors, but often persists as a latent infection. The query is can a virus, like SV40 cause the cancer mesothelioma? According to a study done by the Cancer Research Center of the University of Hawaii found that SV40 is present in some people with malignant mesothelioma.
During this study they
injected SV40 virus into laboratory hamsters, 60 percent of which
developed the disease and died of mesothelioma. Though scientists are
not able to state that SV40 directly causes mesothelioma, they are
willing to say that it may trigger cancer in people whose immune system
are week.
It's a recognized proven fact that extended tobacco use could cause cancer. However, can it cause mesothelioma? Starting in 1952, the P. Lorillard Tobacco Company sold filter cigarettes under the Kent brand. These filters contained micronite which has 10mg of asbestos in each filter. Five years later, the group dumped the use of micronite filters; however, the contact with asbestos had already done irreparable damage to those exposed to asbestos. Asbestos has also been used in other widely-sold tobacco products through the years as well, including rolling papers and in pipe tobaccos, creating a link between the usage of tobacco and mesothelioma.
Zeolites are a category of naturally occurring crystalline mineral substances composed primarily of aluminum and silicon which can also be produced artificially. This substance isn't toxic in nature; however, it can form tiny fiber like structures similar to asbestos. Due to this truth, it's lead some medical researchers to conclude that there is a link between zeolites and mesothelioma. Zeolites are used in a wide variety of industries in the United States, especially the petroleum, plastics, and chemical industries and associated fields. Zeolite miners and processors are also regularly exposed to the substance.
Though these are five possible causes of mesothelioma, it is still possible to get mesothelioma without being exposed to these causes. However, if you have mesothelioma and suspect your contact with any of the five causes discussed it is important to contact a mesothelioma attorney. Mesothelioma lawyers can help you identify whether legal action is warranted and whether you might be entitled to financial compensation.
It's a recognized proven fact that extended tobacco use could cause cancer. However, can it cause mesothelioma? Starting in 1952, the P. Lorillard Tobacco Company sold filter cigarettes under the Kent brand. These filters contained micronite which has 10mg of asbestos in each filter. Five years later, the group dumped the use of micronite filters; however, the contact with asbestos had already done irreparable damage to those exposed to asbestos. Asbestos has also been used in other widely-sold tobacco products through the years as well, including rolling papers and in pipe tobaccos, creating a link between the usage of tobacco and mesothelioma.
Zeolites are a category of naturally occurring crystalline mineral substances composed primarily of aluminum and silicon which can also be produced artificially. This substance isn't toxic in nature; however, it can form tiny fiber like structures similar to asbestos. Due to this truth, it's lead some medical researchers to conclude that there is a link between zeolites and mesothelioma. Zeolites are used in a wide variety of industries in the United States, especially the petroleum, plastics, and chemical industries and associated fields. Zeolite miners and processors are also regularly exposed to the substance.
Though these are five possible causes of mesothelioma, it is still possible to get mesothelioma without being exposed to these causes. However, if you have mesothelioma and suspect your contact with any of the five causes discussed it is important to contact a mesothelioma attorney. Mesothelioma lawyers can help you identify whether legal action is warranted and whether you might be entitled to financial compensation.
Tips On How To Choose An Experienced Asbestos Or Mesothelioma Attorney
Tips On How To Choose An Experienced Asbestos Or Mesothelioma Attorney
The key risk aspect for developing malignant mesothelioma cancerous tumors is being exposed to asbestos at the workplace. Roughly 70 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma patients have been exposed to asbestos on the job. The actual exposure has invariably happened decades prior and might have been for a comparatively short but heavy period.
Asbestos exposure can be a precursor to cancer of the lungs and
additional asbestos-linked illnesses. Once it has been inhaled into the
lung tissue it might take as long as 20 to 40 years or more to develop
disease symptoms. This lengthy latency period frequently makes it hard
to identify what caused it.
The key risk aspect for developing malignant mesothelioma cancerous tumors is being exposed to asbestos at the workplace. Roughly 70 to 80 percent of all mesothelioma patients have been exposed to asbestos on the job. The actual exposure has invariably happened decades prior and might have been for a comparatively short but heavy period.
Asbestos has been used commercially for more than one hundred years.
Millions of American citizens have been put at risk unwittingly by being
exposed to asbestos dust. Products containing asbestos were not
initially thought to be dangerous, but in time lots of people working
for asbestos producers began developing lung cancer. Folks laboring in
asbestos mines, heating industries, insulation factories, and a variety
of other occupations involving asbestos have shown a big increase in the
prevalence of the cancerous diseases.
At present there are lawful limits for the total asbestos exposure people can receive on the job as a consequence of the link involving asbestos and numerous varieties of cancer. Employees exposed to asbestos are now required to sport protective gear that reduces their total exposure. Factors like individual immune system strength might play a major part in if an employee comes down with an asbestos-associated sickness. If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or some other asbestos-associated sickness you may want to locate asbestos law firms that focus in personal injury cases. Additionally, if you were exposed to asbestos and have not yet developed cancer, you may still be able to receive financial compensation in a class action lawsuit.
If you wish to find the most skilled asbestos law firms it will involve some groundwork. A few questions that you need answers to are how many years they have been practicing, how many asbestos suits they have managed, how many mesothelioma suits they have managed, the number of their claims that were successfully settled, how many of their clients had to go to court, if there is a statute of limitations in your state for these types of claims, and what type of documentation is required from you to begin a lawsuit.
Ask the attorneys what the average settlement is in a case similar to yours. It is also important to know the amount the law firm will charge to take your case. The majority of attorneys will handle cases such as this by taking a specific percentage of the financial settlement and will not take the case if they think they won't be able to get a respectable settlement for you.
After you have researched a few asbestos law firms and picked one to represent you the next task is to gather documents and information for the lawsuit. Gathering together as much information as possible provides you the best likelihood for a victorious outcome. First and foremost you must have medical verification that you have contracted cancer. You will also have to be knowledgeable about where, when, and the length of time you were subjected to exposure of asbestos fibers, your employer's name, and if there are other co-workers that were diagnosed with a similar illness. Additional workers or witnesses can often help in confirming the location and time you were subjected to exposure.
Being exposed to asbestos is the one and only identified cause of mesothelioma, so your case may be a lot easier to prove than you believed. Most attorneys are not going to take a weaker case and will settle most cases they do take out of court. A veteran lawyer will be able to counsel you regarding whether you should settle out of court or if you should take it to trial. After the lawyer offers you their opinion the ultimate determination of settling out of court or going to trial is up to you.
Prior to making a final decision you must take several issues into consideration. Even if you have a sufficiently strong case it may take a couple of years and maybe more if you take it to trial. Can you handle a couple years of stress and tension with no guarantee that you will win? These questions must be taken into account previous to making a judgment that is capable of affecting your entire future.
At present there are lawful limits for the total asbestos exposure people can receive on the job as a consequence of the link involving asbestos and numerous varieties of cancer. Employees exposed to asbestos are now required to sport protective gear that reduces their total exposure. Factors like individual immune system strength might play a major part in if an employee comes down with an asbestos-associated sickness. If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or some other asbestos-associated sickness you may want to locate asbestos law firms that focus in personal injury cases. Additionally, if you were exposed to asbestos and have not yet developed cancer, you may still be able to receive financial compensation in a class action lawsuit.
If you wish to find the most skilled asbestos law firms it will involve some groundwork. A few questions that you need answers to are how many years they have been practicing, how many asbestos suits they have managed, how many mesothelioma suits they have managed, the number of their claims that were successfully settled, how many of their clients had to go to court, if there is a statute of limitations in your state for these types of claims, and what type of documentation is required from you to begin a lawsuit.
Ask the attorneys what the average settlement is in a case similar to yours. It is also important to know the amount the law firm will charge to take your case. The majority of attorneys will handle cases such as this by taking a specific percentage of the financial settlement and will not take the case if they think they won't be able to get a respectable settlement for you.
After you have researched a few asbestos law firms and picked one to represent you the next task is to gather documents and information for the lawsuit. Gathering together as much information as possible provides you the best likelihood for a victorious outcome. First and foremost you must have medical verification that you have contracted cancer. You will also have to be knowledgeable about where, when, and the length of time you were subjected to exposure of asbestos fibers, your employer's name, and if there are other co-workers that were diagnosed with a similar illness. Additional workers or witnesses can often help in confirming the location and time you were subjected to exposure.
Being exposed to asbestos is the one and only identified cause of mesothelioma, so your case may be a lot easier to prove than you believed. Most attorneys are not going to take a weaker case and will settle most cases they do take out of court. A veteran lawyer will be able to counsel you regarding whether you should settle out of court or if you should take it to trial. After the lawyer offers you their opinion the ultimate determination of settling out of court or going to trial is up to you.
Prior to making a final decision you must take several issues into consideration. Even if you have a sufficiently strong case it may take a couple of years and maybe more if you take it to trial. Can you handle a couple years of stress and tension with no guarantee that you will win? These questions must be taken into account previous to making a judgment that is capable of affecting your entire future.
Mesothelioma And Pulmonary Decortication
Mesothelioma And Pulmonary Decortication
RESULTS: There was one postoperative death. The morbidity rate was 16%. Excluding the patient who died in the postoperative period, the median survival was 16 months, and ranged from three to 54 months, with 21% of patients surviving for more than two years. Only one patient developed a reaccumulation of pleural fluid.
CONCLUSIONS: Pleurectomy, with decortication when required, provides both a tissue diagnosis and effective control of pleural fluid accumulation and therefore excellent palliation in patients with pleural mesothelioma. We advocate early thoracotomy in these patients.”
Another interesting study is called, “Use of a “Replication-Restricted” Herpes Virus to Treat Experimental Human Malignant Mesothelioma” by John C. Kucharczuk1, Bruce Randazzo1, Michael Y. Chang, Kunjlata M. Amin, Ashraf A. Elshami, Daniel H. Sterman, Nabil P. Rizk, Katherine L. Molnar-Kimber, S. Moira Brown, Alasdair R. MacLean, Leslie A. Litzky, Nigel W. Fraser, Steven M. Albelda, and Larry R. Kaiser – Cancer Res February 1, 1997 57; 466 - Here is an excerpt: “Abstract - Modified, nonneurovirulent herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) have shown promise in the treatment of brain tumors.
Another interesting study is called, “Pleurectomy for mesothelioma.” By
Brancatisano RP, Joseph MG, McCaughan BC - Department of Surgery,
Repatriation General Hospital Concord, NSW. Med J Aust. 1991 Apr
1;154(7):455-7, 460. Here is an excerpt: “Abstract - OBJECTIVE: To
assess the effectiveness and safety of parietal pleurectomy in
establishing a tissue diagnosis and controlling pleural fluid
accumulation in patients with pleural mesothelioma, and to assess the
success of this procedure in effecting palliation.
DESIGN AND SETTING:
Fifty consecutive patients with pleural mesothelioma who underwent
thoracotomy at the cardiothoracic units at Concord and Royal Prince
Alfred Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The male:female ratio was
4:1 and the mean age was 63 years. In only 11 of the 50 patients was a
tissue diagnosis of mesothelioma made before surgery. INTERVENTIONS: At
thoracotomy, subtotal parietal pleurectomy was performed in 45 of the 50
patients. In two patients biopsy alone was performed and three patients
were treated by a chemical pleurodesis only, as pleurectomy was not
technically possible. Pulmonary decortication was required in 28
patients to allow full expansion of the underlying lung for effective
pleurodesis.
RESULTS: There was one postoperative death. The morbidity rate was 16%. Excluding the patient who died in the postoperative period, the median survival was 16 months, and ranged from three to 54 months, with 21% of patients surviving for more than two years. Only one patient developed a reaccumulation of pleural fluid.
CONCLUSIONS: Pleurectomy, with decortication when required, provides both a tissue diagnosis and effective control of pleural fluid accumulation and therefore excellent palliation in patients with pleural mesothelioma. We advocate early thoracotomy in these patients.”
Another interesting study is called, “Use of a “Replication-Restricted” Herpes Virus to Treat Experimental Human Malignant Mesothelioma” by John C. Kucharczuk1, Bruce Randazzo1, Michael Y. Chang, Kunjlata M. Amin, Ashraf A. Elshami, Daniel H. Sterman, Nabil P. Rizk, Katherine L. Molnar-Kimber, S. Moira Brown, Alasdair R. MacLean, Leslie A. Litzky, Nigel W. Fraser, Steven M. Albelda, and Larry R. Kaiser – Cancer Res February 1, 1997 57; 466 - Here is an excerpt: “Abstract - Modified, nonneurovirulent herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) have shown promise in the treatment of brain tumors.
However, HSV-1 can infect and lyse a wide
range of cell types. In this report, we show that HSV-1716, a mutant
lacking both copies of the gene coding ICP-34.5, can effectively treat a
localized i.p. malignancy. Human malignant mesothelioma cells supported
the growth of HSV-1716 and were efficiently lysed in vitro. i.p.
injection of HSV-1716 into animals with established tumor nodules
reduced tumor burden and significantly prolonged survival in an animal
model of non-central nervous system-localized human malignancy without
dissemination or persistence after i.p. injection into SCID mice bearing
human tumors. These findings suggest that this virus may be efficacious
and safe for use in localized human malignancies of nonneuronal origin
such as malignant mesothelioma.
An interesting study is called, “Interleukin 6 and its relationship to clinical parameters in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.” By T. Nakano, A. P. Chahinian, M. Shinjo, A. Tonomura, M. Miyake, N. Togawa, K. Ninomiya, and K. Higashino - Br J Cancer. 1998 March; 77(6): 907–912. Here is an excerpt: “Abstract - The relationship between interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels and clinical parameters was studied in 25 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The serum levels of IL-6, C-reactive protein, alpha1-acid glycoprotein and fibrinogen were significantly higher in mesothelioma than in lung adenocarcinoma with cytology-positive pleural effusion. Serum IL-6 levels correlated with the levels of the acute-phase proteins. We demonstrated a high incidence of thrombocytosis (48%) and a significant correlation between platelet count and the serum IL-6 level.
An interesting study is called, “Interleukin 6 and its relationship to clinical parameters in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.” By T. Nakano, A. P. Chahinian, M. Shinjo, A. Tonomura, M. Miyake, N. Togawa, K. Ninomiya, and K. Higashino - Br J Cancer. 1998 March; 77(6): 907–912. Here is an excerpt: “Abstract - The relationship between interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels and clinical parameters was studied in 25 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The serum levels of IL-6, C-reactive protein, alpha1-acid glycoprotein and fibrinogen were significantly higher in mesothelioma than in lung adenocarcinoma with cytology-positive pleural effusion. Serum IL-6 levels correlated with the levels of the acute-phase proteins. We demonstrated a high incidence of thrombocytosis (48%) and a significant correlation between platelet count and the serum IL-6 level.
The level of IL-6 in the pleural fluid
of patients with mesothelioma was significantly higher than in the
pleural fluid of patients with adenocarcinoma, and was about 60-1400
times higher than in the serum. However, even higher levels of IL-6 in
the pleural fluid and of thrombocytosis were found in patients with
tuberculous pleurisy. These results indicate that large amounts of IL-6
from the pleural fluid of patients with mesothelioma leak into the
systemic circulation and induce clinical inflammatory reactions. These
profiles are not specific to mesothelioma as similar profiles are found
in patients with tuberculous pleurisy. However, the detection of a
markedly increased level of IL-6 in pleural fluid argues against a
diagnosis of adenocarcinoma.”
We all owe a debt of gratitude to these fine researchers for their work. If you found any of these excerpts helpful, please read the studies in their entirety.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to these fine researchers for their work. If you found any of these excerpts helpful, please read the studies in their entirety.
Mesothelioma – A Review Of The Hard To Pronounce Cancer
Mesothelioma – A Review Of The Hard To Pronounce Cancer
Nobody wants to be diagnosed with cancer. That is not a good day at the
doctor’s office. Still, there are some forms of cancer that are a tad
bit scarier than others. Mesothelioma is a form that falls well down the
scary end of the measuring stick. In fact, many would argue it is so
scary that it doesn’t even appear on the stick!
Why is Mesothelioma so scary? Is this one of those cancers that you get
on a Monday and are dead on a Friday from? Not really. It is a form of
cancer that is very unique in that it is extremely hard to diagnose at
any point other than the latest stages. The cancer grows in very
peculiar parts of the body, which makes it extremely hard to find. Most
people will have it for 30 years or longer without even realizing it or
feeling any negative effects. When it does finally rear its ugly head,
however, it is usually far to late to treat it. Depending on the type
you have, the five year survival rate is usually well under 10 percent.
Now that is seriously scary.
So, what are the mechanics of the disease? We have a cellular lining found in the torso area that is generally known as the mesothelium. The lining is actually another one of those amazing parts of the body. It consists of two layers enclosing a lubricating liquid. The mesothelium then wraps around most of the vital organs. When the organs function, the lining acts as buffer that allows them to move without being damaged or damaging the organs around them. This includes organic acts like the heart beating and lungs expanding and contracting. The downside is the lining is so vast that it allows for fairly easy migration of any cancer cells that grow in it.
How do you get Mesothelioma? The most common methodology is by breathing it in or consuming it into the digestive system. Who the heck would eat or voluntarily breathe in this toxic material? Well, nobody would. The problem is asbestos is really a collection of tiny fibers. When asbestos products are damaged, these fibers float up into the air and start moving about. Victims can breathe them in or consume them after they land on food without even knowing it. This is also why the vast majority of Mesothelioma victims have worked in areas where they were exposed to asbestos for long periods without knowing it such as oil refineries, naval ship engine rooms and so on.
A Mesothelioma diagnosis is a bad one. There is no way to make it seem any better than it truly is. If this happens to you or a loved one, the key is to take action. Don’t crawl up in a bawl of misery. Find experts and contact the National Cancer Institute to find out your options. New treatments are being investigated all the time, so make sure you find out what is available to you.
So, what are the mechanics of the disease? We have a cellular lining found in the torso area that is generally known as the mesothelium. The lining is actually another one of those amazing parts of the body. It consists of two layers enclosing a lubricating liquid. The mesothelium then wraps around most of the vital organs. When the organs function, the lining acts as buffer that allows them to move without being damaged or damaging the organs around them. This includes organic acts like the heart beating and lungs expanding and contracting. The downside is the lining is so vast that it allows for fairly easy migration of any cancer cells that grow in it.
How do you get Mesothelioma? The most common methodology is by breathing it in or consuming it into the digestive system. Who the heck would eat or voluntarily breathe in this toxic material? Well, nobody would. The problem is asbestos is really a collection of tiny fibers. When asbestos products are damaged, these fibers float up into the air and start moving about. Victims can breathe them in or consume them after they land on food without even knowing it. This is also why the vast majority of Mesothelioma victims have worked in areas where they were exposed to asbestos for long periods without knowing it such as oil refineries, naval ship engine rooms and so on.
A Mesothelioma diagnosis is a bad one. There is no way to make it seem any better than it truly is. If this happens to you or a loved one, the key is to take action. Don’t crawl up in a bawl of misery. Find experts and contact the National Cancer Institute to find out your options. New treatments are being investigated all the time, so make sure you find out what is available to you.
Vermiculite - A Benign Substance Or Another Toxic Material From Libby, Montana?
Vermiculite - A Benign Substance Or Another Toxic Material From Libby, Montana?
Vermiculite is a natur
Vermiculite reacts to heat in an odd way. It expands. Not just expands, but EXPANDS! It will grow in size by a factor of 8 to 30 times the original size. On top of this, the material is also heat and fire resistant. If these characteristics sound somewhat familiar, then they should. The heat and fire resistant nature of vermiculite is similar to what is found with asbestos, but not on as effective a scale.
Vermiculite is not, in and of itself, a material that is considered to carry any health risks as we see with asbestos. Then why does the material get so much bad press? Well, the answer is found in where vermiculate was mined for 50 plus years until 1990. It was found in a little town called Libby, Montana, which should set off red alerts and clanging bells in your head.
Libby, Montana is the home of a huge mine that is [in]famous. The mine produced 50 years worth of vermiculite with plenty to spare. So, what is the problem? Well, the mine also produced the vast majority of asbestos during the same period of time. With both materials being mined at the same time, there is little surprise that the vermiculite coming out of the mine has been found to have high levels of asbestos in it. Since this material was used in home insulation products, it is now believed that over 70 percent of all homes with such insulation have an asbestos problem.
What is vermiculite? When isolated, it is a good material for heat resistant applications. Historically, however, it has been contaminated with asbestos in the U.S. market and is a health risk. If you have vermiculite insulation, get it tested immediately.
ally occurring substance. It is mined from the
ground like many other ore oriented commodities. The material looks like
small flakes of mica pebbles. It is generally lacking in any unique
characteristics, but it does something very interesting when heat is
introduced.
Discussions around asbestos and the health problems it causes have
started incorporating discussions of vermiculite as well. So, what is
vermiculite?
Vermiculite is a natur
Vermiculite reacts to heat in an odd way. It expands. Not just expands, but EXPANDS! It will grow in size by a factor of 8 to 30 times the original size. On top of this, the material is also heat and fire resistant. If these characteristics sound somewhat familiar, then they should. The heat and fire resistant nature of vermiculite is similar to what is found with asbestos, but not on as effective a scale.
Vermiculite is not, in and of itself, a material that is considered to carry any health risks as we see with asbestos. Then why does the material get so much bad press? Well, the answer is found in where vermiculate was mined for 50 plus years until 1990. It was found in a little town called Libby, Montana, which should set off red alerts and clanging bells in your head.
Libby, Montana is the home of a huge mine that is [in]famous. The mine produced 50 years worth of vermiculite with plenty to spare. So, what is the problem? Well, the mine also produced the vast majority of asbestos during the same period of time. With both materials being mined at the same time, there is little surprise that the vermiculite coming out of the mine has been found to have high levels of asbestos in it. Since this material was used in home insulation products, it is now believed that over 70 percent of all homes with such insulation have an asbestos problem.
What is vermiculite? When isolated, it is a good material for heat resistant applications. Historically, however, it has been contaminated with asbestos in the U.S. market and is a health risk. If you have vermiculite insulation, get it tested immediately.
