Mesothelioma Compensation Center Now Has Endorsed the Attorney Erik Karst of the Law Firm of Karst von Oiste and Erik For a Nuclear Power Worker or…

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Compensation Center is the only group in the nation that specializes in assisting nuclear power plant workers or Nuclear Navy Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and their number one goal is a person like this receives the very best possible financial compensation settlement. If a nuclear power worker or Nuclear Navy Veteran with mesothelioma or their family would call 800-714-0303, they can typically have the person talking directly with attorney Erik Karst of the law firm of Karst von Oiste within 20 or 30 minutes.

Erik Karst and his partner Doug von Oiste of the law firm of Karst von Oiste have obtained over a billion dollars in mesothelioma or asbestos exposure compensation settlements for their clients as the Mesothelioma Compensation Center would be happy to discuss anytime at 800-714-0303.www.karstvonoiste.com/

The Mesothelioma Compensation Center says, "The reason we mention nuclear plant workers and Nuclear Navy Veterans with mesothelioma so frequently is because many nuclear power plant workers received their initial training about reactors in the US Navy. The US Navy literally has a school where navy sailors learn about nuclear reactors and it is called 'Nuke School.'"http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=79643.

According to the Mesothelioma Compensation Center, "The reason we have recommended the law firm of Karst von Oiste and their founding partner Erik Karst of Karst von Oiste is they work their mesothelioma compensation claims extremely hard and they typically get the best financial compensation results for their clients on a nationwide basis. A case work-up typically involves every single place or instance where a diagnosed person could have been exposed to asbestos. Further, there is no charge for their services if there is not a financial settlement as we would be happy to explain anytime at 800-714-0303." https://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com

Before a nuclear power worker or Nuclear Navy Veteran with mesothelioma or their family hires a law firm they are urged to call the Mesothelioma Compensation Center anytime at 800-714-0303.The potential compensation for a nuclear power worker or Nuclear Navy Veteran with mesothelioma could easily exceed a million dollars provided they have the best legal representation."https://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com

The Mesothelioma Compensation Center specializes in assisting specific types of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The Center's top priority is assisting US Navy Veterans, shipyard workers, oil refinery workers, public-utility workers, chemical plant workers, manufacturing workers, power plant workers, plumbers, welders, electricians, millwrights, pipefitters, boiler technicians, machinists, nuclear power plant workers, hydro-electric workers or oil and gas field production workers who have been diagnosed with this rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In most instances a diagnosed person with mesothelioma was exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's.https://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com

According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma includeMaine,Massachusetts,Connecticut,Maryland,New Jersey,Pennsylvania,Ohio,West Virginia,Virginia,Michigan,Illinois,Minnesota,Louisiana,Washington, andOregon.

However, a Nuclear Navy Veteran or a nuclear power worker with mesothelioma could live in any state including California, New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska. http://www.karstvonoiste.com/

For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer:https://www.cancer.gov/types/mesothelioma.

Media Contact:

Michael Thomas800-714-0303220569@email4pr.com

SOURCE Mesothelioma Compensation Center

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Mesothelioma Compensation Center Now Has Endorsed the Attorney Erik Karst of the Law Firm of Karst von Oiste and Erik For a Nuclear Power Worker or...

Mesothelioma Victims Center Now Offers a Navy Veteran with Mesothelioma Direct Access to Attorney Erik Karst of Karst von Oiste to Answer Specific…

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "If a Navy Veteran with recently diagnosed mesothelioma or their family members would call us at 800-714-0303 we will provide them with direct access to attorney Erik Karst of the law firm of Karst von Oiste to discuss compensation, how the claims process works and what things they will need to create the environment for the best possible compensation results." Erik Karst and his partner Doug von Oiste are responsible for over a billion dollars in mesothelioma or asbestos exposure financial compensation results. Trust us-talking directly with attorney Erik Karst is a much better option than ordering a 'free' book about mesothelioma or calling some claims center.

"We have recommended attorney Erik Karst and his colleagues at the law firm of Karst von Oiste for a US Navy Veteran with mesothelioma-becausethey share our passion about making certain a Navy Veteran with mesothelioma or their family members receive the best possible financial compensation results as we would like to discuss anytime at 800-714-0303." http://www.karstvonoiste.com

Out of fear most US Navy Veterans or people with mesothelioma will not get properly compensated. The Mesothelioma Victims Center is offering to assist a Navy Veteran or a person with this rare cancer or their family to build out what they refer to as the list. The 'list' documents how, where, and when a person with mesothelioma was exposed to asbestos. It is this vital information that becomes the foundation for a mesothelioma compensation claim as the group would be happy to discuss anytime at 800-714-0303. https://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Example of an asbestos exposure how, where and when addition to the list : In January of 1974 I was assigned to a navy destroyer as a boiler technician. My duties included maintaining the boilers, cleaning valves, replacing gaskets, replacing insulation, rebuilding pumps.

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "We would turn this type of information over to the lawyers at the law firm of Karst von Oiste who will determine who made these boilers, valves, gaskets, insulation and pumps. Most would have contained asbestos as we'd like to explain at 800-714-0303." https://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. High risk work groups for exposure to asbestos include Veterans of the US Navy, power plant workers, shipyard workers, oil refinery workers, steel mill workers, miners, pulp or paper mill workers, printers, factory workers, railroad workers, plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, machinists, welders, pipefitters, insulators, firemen and construction workers. In most instances a person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma was exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's. https://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon. However, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives a former auto or truck factory or manufacturing worker with mesothelioma or asbestos exposure lung cancer could live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Texas, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska. http://www.karstvonoiste.com/

For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/mesothelioma.

Contact: Michael Thomas 800-714-0303 220926@email4pr.com

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Jury awards $40.3 million in talcum powder trial | Around The State – Antelope Valley Press

LOS ANGELES (CNS) A woman who alleged that she acquired mesothelioma from her use of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder was awarded $40.3 million by a Los Angeles jury, her attorneys said today.

The Los Angeles Superior Court panel deliberated for six days before reaching its verdict Friday in the lawsuit brought by Nancy Cabibi and her husband Phil, both 71 years old. She was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2017 and has undergone surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy, according to her court papers.

Testing of her body tissue showed the presence of tremolite and anthophyllite asbestos, known contaminants of Johnsons Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, both of which were manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and both of which Nancy Cabibi used, according to her court papers.

The jury found Johnsons Baby Powder defective because it contained asbestos, according to her attorneys. The panel also found the powder caused her mesothelioma, which is an invariably fatal form of cancer, her attorneys said.

Johnson & Johnson attorneys argued Cabibi was exposed to asbestos through living in an industrial area of Los Angeles. Her lawyers countered that she never worked in or even entered any facilities where she would have been exposed to asbestos. The couple now lives in Idaho.

Nancy Cabibi is fighting to survive every single day because of asbestos in Johnsons Baby Powder, said plaintiffs attorney David Greenstone. While we are very pleased with this verdict, we know that we must continue to fight on behalf of the Cabibis and so many others who have beenharmed.

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Jury awards $40.3 million in talcum powder trial | Around The State - Antelope Valley Press

Judge Rejects J&J’s Bid to Avoid Paying Award to Deceased Mesothelioma Victim – Mesothelioma.net Blog

Last June, a jury in California found Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive and Avon Products jointly liable for Patricia Schmitzs malignant mesothelioma, and awarded the woman $2 million in economic damages and another $10 million in noneconomic damages. One month later Mrs. Schmitz succumbed to her cancer, and in response Johnson & Johnson and Colgate-Palmolive filed motions for the court to vacate the portion of her verdict created to address her pain and suffering and to open a new trial to reheat the evidence. Alameda Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch has denied both Johnson & Johnsons request regarding the compensation and Colgate-Palmolives request for a new trial.

In a remarkably cynical legal move, Johnson & Johnson argued that because Mrs. Schmitz had died of her mesothelioma, she was no longer entitled to an award for pain and suffering. Their motion to set aside and vacate the judgment was denied.Colgate had also argued that the jurys verdict was not supported by the evidence presented at trial and requested a new trial, but the judge also denied this request.

The original jury verdict had assigned 40 percent of the blame for her death to Colgate-Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson and their subsidiary Johnson a& Johnson Consumer Inc. 40 percent responsible, and Avon 20 percent responsible, despite the fact that the company had successfully avoided being named as a defendant in the trial due to the fact that the California court had no jurisdiction over them.

In addition to trying to negate the jurys verdict on pain and suffering, the companies also filed motions to void having to pay the mesothelioma victims litigation costs. Johnson & Johnson had been assigned to pay some of the costs that its lawyers say belonged to Colgate and Avon, but the judge rejected that request as well, saying that Mrs. Schmitz couldnt only sue Johnson & Johnson because she had used products from all three companies, and that her costs were attributable to the whole case.

Asbestos companies fight against having to pay mesothelioma victims at every step, but there are resources available to protect their rights. For more information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

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Judge Rejects J&J's Bid to Avoid Paying Award to Deceased Mesothelioma Victim - Mesothelioma.net Blog

Mesothelioma | Symptoms, Causes, and Prognosis Explained

Asbestos exposure can be blamed for causing nearly all of the approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed every year. Most of that exposure occurred in the workplace.

Employees exposed and put at risk of asbestos-related diseases never knew about the dangers until it was too late. While not all workers exposed to asbestos later got sick, many ended up with life-threatening conditions.

Many companies used asbestos heavily until the government began regulating it in the 1970s. Workers who were more likely to be exposed include industrial workers, sailors and shipyard workers, construction laborers and skilled tradesmen, and miners, among many others.

Exposure to asbestos is now declining and occurs much less often than it did in the past. But not all the damage has yet been seen. People are still getting diagnosed with mesothelioma now because of the cancer's long latency period. Decades can pass between exposure and symptoms that lead to a diagnosis.

Researchers have made great improvements in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. They are helping people live longer, but mesothelioma is still an aggressive and deadly type of cancer. There is no cure for mesothelioma and remission is extremely rare.

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Mesothelioma | Symptoms, Causes, and Prognosis Explained

Mesothelioma.com | Information for Patients and Families

At Mesothelioma.com, our mission is to educate patients, their loved ones and the general public about this rare cancer and the toxin that causes it, asbestos. We strive to help those impacted by mesothelioma get the medical information, resources and legal connections they need at every step of their cancer journey.

For over 20 years, Mesothelioma.com has provided free medical and legal resources to mesothelioma patients and their families during their time of need. Our team consists of medical experts, legal experts, mesothelioma survivors, award-winning journalists and researchers to ensure the most helpful, accurate and recent information about mesothelioma, asbestos and asbestos litigation.

Mesothelioma.com is focused on providing the best, most up-to-date mesothelioma and asbestos information based on input from experts in the field, medical journals, government sites and trustworthy news sources.

Get detailed information about the disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, stages, treatment options, life expectancy and more.

Learn more about what factors impact your life expectancy, like type and stage of mesothelioma, as well as how some patients achieved long-term survival.

Browse our extensive database of mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers and get details on conventional treatments, emerging treatments and clinical trials that could help extend survival.

Find information about asbestos, the only definitive cause of mesothelioma, including where it can be found in homes, buildings and products and occupations most at risk of exposure.

Since asbestos was used heavily across all military branches, veterans are among the most at risk for mesothelioma and account for about 30% of all diagnoses today. Learn where asbestos was used, veteran treatments centers and how to file a VA claim.

Because asbestos companies acted with neglect, mesothelioma victims and their families have legal options. Learn about your rights, including types of claims and financial assistance available, and get help connecting with law firms with experience in asbestos litigation.

Heather Von St. James was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at 36 years old, just a few months after giving birth to her daughter. Without treatment, doctors told her she would have just 15 months to live. Heather and her family decided to pursue a new, aggressive treatment in Boston, and she is now a 13-year survivor. Today, Heather dedicates her life to advocating for patients and an asbestos ban. Connect with Heather.

Researchers have found that recurrent rates for mesothelioma can vary widely, with some studies finding recurrence rates after treatment ranging from 10 72%. Even patients diagnosed in the earlie...

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A California jury reached a $29 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson and Cyprus Mines Corporation, a talc supplier. The jury concluded that the responsible companies must pay Teresa Leavit...

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Mesothelioma.com | Information for Patients and Families

Mesothelioma Symptoms: Asbestos Cancer Warning Signs

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Signs

Mesothelioma tumors begin as tiny nodules on the lining of the lungs or abdomen. The cancer doesnt cause symptoms until the tumors have grown and spread. This is usually around cancer stage 3 and 4, when tumors begin to press against the chest wall or abdominal cavity.

Recognizing symptoms of malignant mesothelioma early in the cancers development is nearly impossible because the disease doesnt produce early symptoms to identify.

Most early mesothelioma diagnoses happen by accident through routine X-rays or blood tests. By the time someone identifies warning signs, the cancer often has spread, making it difficult for doctors to treat.

Informing your primary care doctor about any history of asbestos exposure and seeking cancer screenings can help lead to an earlier-than-normal mesothelioma diagnosis and a much better chance of qualifying for life-extending therapy.

In the early stages of mesothelioma, you may notice:

Free information, books, wristbands and more for patients and caregivers.

The exact stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis how far it has progressed is impossible to predict through symptoms alone. Most patients are not diagnosed until stage 3 or 4 because symptoms dont develop until later stages. The earlier the cancer is caught, the better the prognosis.

Addressing symptoms as soon as they develop can improve medical outcomes. When symptoms are identified and treated quickly, patients often benefit from higher quality of life and may live longer if the symptoms and cancer are controlled sooner.

Doctors can provide chemotherapy drugs that shrink peritoneal mesothelioma tumors and slow the growth and spread of cancer. It can be given before, during or after surgery. In some cases, doctors offer chemotherapy as the only treatment option. Chemotherapy drugs considered effective in treatment include pemetrexed, cisplatin, carboplatin and gemcitabine.

Doctors are now seeing extraordinary results with HIPEC. Once an experimental treatment, HIPEC starts with surgery to remove all visible tumors from the patients peritoneum. Next, doctors introduce a heated salt-water solution that contains chemotherapy drugs.

A machine pumps the medicine throughout the patients abdomen. This helps destroy any cancer cells left behind after surgery. Nearly half of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer patients who receive HIPEC can live at least five years after diagnosis.

This form of asbestos-related cancer develops in the lining around the heart. It is one of the rarest types of the disease. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pains. They stem from thickening of the pericardium, the lining around the heart.

A lump in the testes is the most common sign of testicular mesothelioma the rarest of all types. It accounts for less than 1 percent of all mesothelioma cases.

Our patient advocates can answer your questions on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure.

Symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers first emerge in small, subtle ways. This happens after the cancer has spread, which is around stage 3 or stage 4. Some are so minor that people and their doctors mistake them as symptoms of some other disorder or shrug them off entirely.

Mesothelioma starts to develop around 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. This latency period is not related to the delayed onset of mesothelioma symptoms, but these concepts get easily confused because both involve an unexpected delay.

Symptoms usually dont make a noticeable impact on someones life until the cancer has reached a late stage. Most people who get mesothelioma of any type are diagnosed in stage 3 or stage 4. These are considered late or end stages.

I had gotten to the point where I couldnt walk without being out of breath. It scared the heck out of me. But having my lung drained was immediate relief. I felt so much better.

Although the decades-long latency period is similar with each type of the cancer, some studies suggest it is shorter for people with peritoneal mesothelioma. A 2011 study found women have a slightly longer latency period than men.

Nonspecialists often mistake pleural mesothelioma for less serious conditions. These include pneumonia, bronchial infection and COPD. People with peritoneal mesothelioma may initially be diagnosed with ovarian cancer or irritable bowel syndrome. Pericardial mesothelioma is so rare that doctors can easily confuse it with heart failure, coronary heart disease and other common heart illnesses.

I feel lucky, but I dont feel like a miracle. Ill reserve miracles for bigger and better things than me. Im just a grateful guy today who thinks every day I wake up is a gift.

A mesothelioma misdiagnosis can delay proper treatment. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should inform their primary care physician of their exposure. Also ask about annual cancer screenings. If you develop any abdominal or pulmonary issues in your lifetime, make sure to mention your asbestos exposure history to the medical professionals who provide your care.

The primary factor that affects the onset of mesothelioma symptoms is tumor growth and spreading.

Mesothelioma symptoms are caused by tumors that press against nerves, organs, bones and other parts of the body.

Small tumor size is the main reason why mesothelioma patients dont experience symptoms in the early stages of the cancers growth. Mesothelioma tumors typically dont become big enough to press against body parts until stage 3 or stage 4.

Our Patient Advocates can help you avoid a mesothelioma misdiagnosis by connecting you with a top doctor in your area.

Symptoms such as nerve pain that shoots down an arm may indicate cancer invasion has occurred locally in the chest. Mesothelioma tends to spread locally throughout the chest or abdominal cavity more often than spreading to distant locations throughout the body.

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and believe you have symptoms of mesothelioma, seek immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor about your exposure and alert them to the possibility of an asbestos-related disease. You will likely need to get a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist.

Mesothelioma symptoms result from the cancer itself and may overlap with side effects caused by cancer treatment. Side effects of cancer treatment usually fade away after the treatment ends. Mesothelioma symptoms tend to progress along with the cancer. Symptom management is critical to quality of life.

Talk to your oncologist about working with a palliative care specialist. These doctors specialize in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Many cancer centers now offer palliative care to patients undergoing treatment, even those participating in clinical trials.

Rebuilding and getting back to normal isnt a race for the swift. Its for those who can endure the highs and lows. There are small victories and setbacks. But eventually, the battle is won.

Registered Nurse and Patient Advocate

Karen Selby joined Asbestos.com in 2009. She is a registered nurse with a background in oncology and thoracic surgery and was the regional director of a tissue bank before becoming a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center. Karen has assisted surgeons with thoracic surgeries such as lung resections, lung transplants, pneumonectomies, pleurectomies and wedge resections. She is also a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators.

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Last Modified March 15, 2019

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Mesothelioma Symptoms: Asbestos Cancer Warning Signs

What is Mesothelioma Cancer? | Mesothelioma Book

Mesothelioma is a cancer found in the lining surrounding the lungs, the stomach, the heart or the testicles. This cancer takes its name from the name that is given to this lining - the mesothelium. The pleura is the name for the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. If the cancer is in this lining, it is called "pleural mesothelioma." Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma.

The peritoneum is the lining that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity, while the pericardium is the lining that covers and protects the heart. If the cancer is in either of these areas, it is called "peritoneal mesothelioma" or "pericardial mesothelioma."

Like other forms of cancer, mesothelioma occurs when cells become abnormal and divide or grow out of control. When someone has mesothelioma, the lubricating fluid in the lining may be over-produced. This excess fluid encases the organs with a thick layer of tumor tissue, described as a rind type of layer, that puts pressure on the organs. People with pleural mesothelioma often complain of shortness of breath and a buildup of fluid in the chest area. In advanced cases of mesothelioma, cells metastasize, or grow and invade other organs and spread to other areas of the body.

The only agreed upon cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

It often takes 10 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos before the symptoms of mesothelioma develop.

This period of time is referred to as a latency period. Because of the latency period, the disease commonly affects men and women that are at least 50 years of age and that worked with asbestos between 10 and 60 years ago.

However, there are many known cases of people developing mesothelioma at an earlier age. Often these are the sons and daughters whose parents were exposed to asbestos and who unwittingly brought the invisible dust home on their clothes or who did home remodeling projects and used products, such as joint compound, that contained asbestos. In some cases the child was around the parent as the parent changed the brakes - lined with asbestos - in the family car. This is called secondary exposure to asbestos.

Many people working 10 to 60 years ago were not required to use any type of protection in the workplace while they were exposed to asbestos even though the companies that manufactured the products containing asbestos had full knowledge that it was dangerous and that exposure to it would harm the health of many of the workers.

As with other cancers, a speedy diagnosis is important to effective treatment of mesothelioma. If you believe that you may have mesothelioma and that you worked with asbestos in the past, you should inform your doctor of this fact.

If you wish to learn more about mesothelioma, CLICK HERE to receive a free book written by medical professionals who have treated mesothelioma.

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What is Mesothelioma Cancer? | Mesothelioma Book

Mesothelioma Symptoms – Critical Signs to Watch For

Patients in the early stages of pleural mesothelioma do not exhibit many symptoms. Those that do show are not specific to the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms common in the early stages are:

These are similar to symptoms of various other disorders, such as pneumonia, common cold, asthma, influenza, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Pleural effusions and inflammation in the lining of the lungs are the main source of discomfort associated with mesothelioma, but are also linked to pneumonia and COPD.

Up to 25 percent of patients have symptoms like dyspnea and chest pain for approximately 6 months before seeing a doctor.

Pleural thickening is another result of pleural mesothelioma that is common in other diseases. This is caused by the scarring of the pleura. It causes a loss of elasticity in the lungs, which is essential for the lung to expand for normal breathing.

Pleural thickening can also be caused by tuberculosis, pleurisy, and empyema (infection in the lung that causes a buildup of pus in the pleura). However, in mesothelioma, this is specifically caused by scarring of the pleura due to asbestos.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms - Critical Signs to Watch For

Mesothelioma | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis

Malignant mesothelioma, often referred to simply as mesothelioma, is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral that was used for decades in a number of industrial, commercial, military, and residential applications. Mesothelioma is the most severe of all asbestos-related illnesses.

Due to its long latency period the time between exposure to asbestos and the development of the disease mesothelioma is usually diagnosed at advanced stages and often occurs in older people. It is more common in men, especially those who worked in the automotive and construction industries or who served in the armed forces. First responders, such as firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and EMTs, also have an increased risk of developing the disease.

While the prognosis has been historically poor, advancements in treatment options offerpatients newfound hope for longer survival and a better quality of life.

Doctors diagnose 3,300 new cases of mesothelioma each year.

Due to the high number of occupational-exposure cases, patients may be eligible to receive discounted treatment or financial compensation.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. When inhaled, tiny asbestos fibers lodge in the bodys mesothelium. Years after initial exposure, these have the potential to form malignancies. Learn more about what causes mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma occurs as a result of inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers. Common symptoms may mirror less severe conditions, such as the flu or pneumonia. These include shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, wheezing or a cough, and weight loss. Patients exhibiting symptoms should visit their doctor right away. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the prognosis, as more extensive treatment offerings are usually available. Learn more about the symptoms of mesothelioma.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is difficult, as its symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions. Doctors also struggle to diagnose the disease because of its rarity and because of its extremely long latency period. Doctors use imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies when identifying the presence and stage of cancer. A biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose it. It is important to get a second opinion when going through the diagnostic process. Learn more about how doctors diagnose mesothelioma.

There are three primary types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. Pleural accounts for the majority of cases, followed by peritoneal. Pericardial is extremely uncommon, accounting for less than 5 percent of all cases. The location of mesothelial tumors in the body is a major determinant of courses of treatment. Learn more about the three types of mesothelioma.

The type of cell present in mesothelioma tumors can significantly affect a patients prognosis and treatment options. Tumors are categorized either as epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or a combination of the two, referred to as biphasic. Learn more about mesothelioma tumor cell types.

Mesothelioma, like other cancers, is staged from 1 to 4. Stages 1 and 2 are less severe and more treatable.Advanced stages have a poor prognosis, as thedisease becomes more difficult to treat.

The stage at which you are diagnosed can affect your treatment options and prognosis. Learn more about the four stages of mesothelioma.

Treatment for mesothelioma varies, primarily based on the type, stage, and cell type of each patients unique case. Generally, doctors combine chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to create a specialized multimodal treatment plan. When it comes to differences in care, curative treatment options aim to completely eradicate the cancer. Often this is only available in early-stage diagnoses. Palliative care refers to treatment options that seek to relieve patient pain and discomfort.

New treatments and advancements in current treatments offer patients hope of fighting the disease.

Your overall health can have a significant impact on your mesothelioma prognosis and life expectancy. Some ways to improve your prognosis include a healthy diet, exercise, and reducing stress. Learn more about how lifestyle changes may help improve your prognosis.

Negligent asbestos exposure accounts for half of all occupational cancer deaths. Unfortunately, asbestos companies and employers knew the dangers of asbestos and still placed the health of their employees at risk. Asbestos trust funds exist to compensate victims of wrongful occupational exposure, totaling an estimated $37 billion. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help recover lost wages and cover the burdensome costs of treatment. Learn more about mesothelioma legal compensation.

Veterans account for nearly 30 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Why so high? The military used asbestos extensively during the mid-1900s in everything from ships and submarines to aircraft and even military barracks and mess halls. As a result, many service members (as well as civilian personnel) encountered carcinogenic asbestos dust and fibers. If you served in the military and have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to apply for VA benefits. Learn more about mesotheliomaand veterans, including how to file a VA claim.

Author

Brittany Nelson

Brittany Nelson holds a BSBA in Marketing from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver. As someone whose life has been touched by cancer, she strives to connect those affected by mesothelioma with the support and resources they need to overcome a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Brittany is a proud Denver native. When she isnt sipping coffee, researching, and writing for the site, you can catch her noshing at a new restaurant or trying to hold a handstand in the yoga studio. Note: Brittany is not a medical professional.

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Mesothelioma | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis

Mesothelioma Group | Understanding Mesothelioma Cancer …

Whether youre a mesothelioma patient, family member, or friend, were here to guide you through every step of the diagnostic and treatment process. Were a small team of caring healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and communication specialists dedicated to helping you and your loved ones understand what is mesothelioma, where and when was your exposure to asbestos, and what are your treatment options. At Mesothelioma Group, we believe that everyone needs an advocate who can provide valuable resources and practical advice to empower the decision making prcess for those who have been affected by this disease.

We are a community dedicated to those that have been impacted by Mesothelioma. Our support group strives to improve your prognosis and raise mesothelioma awareness. Mesothelioma is a complex disease, but getting the best possible care should not be.

We research to provide top-notch medical materials and community support for those impacted by Mesothelioma. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized information, resources, and support for caregivers, patients and their loved ones.

We believe in building awareness for mesothelioma as well as educating mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Our team will provide resources for treatment and the latest mesothelioma news to help guide your decisions related to your specific needs.

We understand the outlook with a mesothelioma diagnosis, but do not believe it is the end of the story with advancements in medical treatments, information accessibility, and support from within our community. You are not alone with your prognosis.

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Mesothelioma Group | Understanding Mesothelioma Cancer ...

Mesothelioma – Cancer Tutor

There are different names for mesothelium depending on where it is in the body: pleura lungs peritoneum inside the abdomen including organs within pericardium heart tunica vaginalis testicles

Tumors in the mesothelium can grow on any of the above membranes. Mesothelioma is a tumor that grows on the mesothelium. Tumors are not always cancerous but can be.

Researchers believe there is a combination of factors that contribute to the cause of mesothelioma.

The main cause of pleural mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. That said, the majority of people who have experienced asbestos exposure, even in large quantities, do not contract mesothelioma.

Risk factors of Mesothelioma include: asbestos exposure zeolites exposure radiation exposure

Other possible risk factors include: SV40 Simian virus 40

Factors not associated with mesothelioma: smoking

In the early stages, mesothelioma may present no symptoms. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may not present for up to 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. Often, symptoms will present when a tumor grows and invades surrounding organs. Some of the following symptoms can be caused by things other than mesothelioma, so it is important to visit your physician for a proper diagnosis.

Symptoms can vary depending on where the mesothelioma is located.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include: pain in the chest area shortness of breath hoarseness difficulty swallowing persistent cough edema of face and arms weight loss fever / sweating fatigue

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: swelling of the abdomen pain in the abdomen mass in the abdomen or pelvis weight loss / loss of appetite bowel blockage nausea / vomiting fever

People with African or Asian ancestry ar less likely to develop mesothelioma than whites or Hispanics. The risk for mesothelioma rises with age, with 69 years of age being the average age of diagnosis. Men have a 5-fold higher risk for developing mesothelioma. This may be related to the type of work both men and women typically participate in, with men working jobs that have a higher risk for exposure to asbestos.

Because mesothelioma is generally not found in the early stages, the survival rates are generally poor.

5-Year Survival Rates for Mesothelioma: Stage I- IV 5-10 percent

Median Survival Rates for Mesothelioma: Stage I 21 months Stage II 19 months Stage III 16 months Stage IV 12 months

The Bob Beck Protocol is the primary recommended treatment for Mesothelioma because it is effective in killing microbes in the bloodstream. The Dirt Cheap Protocol is an alternative to the High RF Frequency Protocol, particularly if cost is an issue. Due to the fact that new microbes are ingested into the body when someone eats, the protocols for mesothelioma should be considered for life-long maintenance and used, as necessary.

Primary: Bob Beck Protocol Required Secondary: Liver and Kidney Flush Also Consider: High RF Frequency Protocol, Ultraviolet Light Protocol, Dirt Cheap Protocol, Killing Microbes, Bill Henderson Protocol

Conventional medicines main types of treatment for Mesothelioma include: Surgery Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Regular Follow Ups Palliative therapy

By far, the largest contributing factor for mesothelioma is being exposed to asbestos, so try to minimize exposure as much as possible.

The immune system contains many different types of cells, however, only a handful of these white blood cells actually kill cancer cells. It should be the intent of a person with cancer to focus on treatments that quickly increase the count of the cancer-killing white blood cells.

The second thing to note is that building the immune system is sometimes not the highest priority of those with cancer. People with only a few months to live should definitely take immune system building products and focus more on the nutrients, foods and products that kill cancer-cells directly, such as the Grape Cure, Noni Juice, Essiac Tea, etc. or revert the cancer cells into normal cells.

With rare exceptions, it is highly advisable to use natural substances to deal with the immune system to treat cancer, no matter what stage the cancer patient is in.

A healthy immune system remains your body's best defense. Not only is a weak immune system a major reason patients have cancer and cancer itself can further weaken the immune system.

Beta glucans help regulate the immune system, making it more efficient. In addition, beta glucans stimulate white blood cells (lymphocytes) that bind to tumors or viruses and release chemicals to destroy it.

Beta Glucan has been approved in Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Taiwan as an immunoadjuvant therapy for cancer. In fact, helping with cancer is just the beginning with Beta Glucan. There have thousands of studies showing the product can protect against infections, lower your cholesterol, lower blood sugar, reduce stress, increase your antibody production, heal wounds, help radiation burns, overcome mercury-induced immunosuppression (like Thimerosal, used as a preservative in vaccines), help with diabetes, and even naturally prevent metastasis (or the spreading of your cancer).

Harvard Medical School suggests following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward keeping your immune system strong and healthy:

Don't smoke. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. Control your blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. Get adequate sleep. Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly. Get regular medical screening tests for people in your age group and risk category.

More Information: Building the Immune System

Your diet plays a role in a healthy immune system. The top vitamins your immune system needs to perform include:

Vitamin C helps to repair and regenerate tissues and aids in the absorption of iron Vitamin E a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight off infection Vitamin B6 supports adrenal function and is necessary for key metabolic processes Vitamin A aids immune function and helps provide a barrier against infections Vitamin D modulates cell growth, promotes neuromuscular and immune function, and reduces inflammation Folate key in development of red blood cells (a lack of Folate can make the body susceptible to cancer) Iron helps your body carry oxygen to cells Selenium slows the body's over-active responses to certain aggressive forms of cancer Zinc slows the immune response and control inflammation in your body

MORE ON MESOTHELIOMA

Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research Society

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Mesothelioma - Cancer Tutor

Mesothelioma | pathology | Britannica.com

Mesothelioma, a tumour that arises from the sheet of cells known as the mesothelium, which lines body cavities and forms the tissue layers referred to as the pleura and the peritoneum. The pleura is located in the chest cavity, either lining the chest wall (parietal pleura) or covering the lung (visceral pleura), and the peritoneum is the corresponding tissue in the abdomen. Roughly 75 percent of mesothelioma cases originate in the chest. Mesothelial cells can also be found in other areas of the body, such as the scrotal sac and the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), and in rare cases the tumour may arise primarily in those locations.

Some 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually in the United States and more elsewhere around the world, related in part to asbestos exposure rates. For males born between 1945 and 1950 in western Europe, researchers projected that mesothelioma during the period from 1995 to 2029 would reach rates as high as 1 in 150 because of asbestos exposure in this population.

There is an unequivocal association with asbestos exposure in about 80 percent of cases. The latency period between exposure and the development of disease typically ranges from 20 to 50 years, with an average of about 30 years. Other causative agents, such as SV40 (simian virus 40), have been postulated; however, data are inconclusive. Some cases are idiopathic, in which no known cause can be identified. Use of asbestos was strictly regulated in the United States beginning in the latter part of the 20th century, though it is still used in the developing world. Erionite, which is similar to asbestos, is found in the soil in Turkey and is associated with concomitant pockets of high mesothelioma incidence. The biology of asbestos exposure and subsequent development of cancer is not clearly understood, because of the long latency period. However, a chronic inflammatory reaction, causing DNA damage to the mesothelial cells, is likely involved. Unlike lung cancer, the eventual development of mesothelioma is not associated with smoking.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma usually occurs at advanced stages, because the thin layer of tumour that develops may not be discernible in X-rays, nor may it lead to symptoms. The most common complication leading to an eventual diagnosis is pleural effusion (a collection of fluid around the lung in the pleural space), whereby a person becomes short of breath. Pain is common with more-advanced disease, when the tumour invades the ribs and muscles of the chest wall. The use of computed tomography (CT; computerized axial tomography) is essential to determine the extent of disease and the stage of tumour development. CT scanning is also used to determine whether the patient might be considered a candidate for surgery. Positron emission tomography (PET) is useful to assist in the determination of metastasis (spread) to other areas of the chest or body. Serum biomarkers, such as mesothelin, osteopontin, and megakaryocyte potentiating factor, have shown some promise for the development of blood tests to screen for the disease, as well as for following patients for evidence of recurrence after treatment.

There are many subtypes of mesothelioma, based on microscopic pathologic examination. The most common subtype is epithelial mesothelioma, followed by biphasic, or mixed, disease, which has epithelial and sarcomatous (connective tissue) involvement; less common is the solely sarcomatoid subtype. The pathologic diagnosis of mesothelioma, using microscopic techniques, can be difficult and often requires that a battery of immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests be performed on each tumour to determine whether it is mesothelioma or perhaps another type of tumour that has spread to the thoracic or abdominal cavity. IHC uses colorimetric antibodies directed at proteins on the surfaces of cells. A pattern of both positive and negative staining is interpreted by the pathologist. Some of the more common positive-staining antibodies that are used include WT1 (Wilms tumour 1) and mesothelin and cytokeratin 5/6. Commonly used negative-staining epithelial antibodies include CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), LeuM1, and TTF-1 (thyroid transcription factor 1).

Reported survival for patients with mesothelioma has been relatively poor, ranging in most cases from 9 to 18 months with or without treatment. Factors used to predict survival include epithelial subtype, involvement of regional (mediastinal) lymph nodes, and size of the tumour. The ability to completely remove the tumour at surgery and the use of multimodality (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy) in some combination-therapy approaches can also influence survival.

Advances in multimodality therapy have included the use of a class of chemotherapy drugs referred to as folate antimetabolites. The most common drug used in this class is pemetrexed, which is most effective when combined with platinum-based agents, such as cisplatinum. These drugs may be given as definitive treatment to patients that are not surgical candidates, and up to 50 percent of treated individuals may respond with tumour arrest and shrinkage and modestly improved survival. Clinical trials have evaluated the use of these drugs prior to surgery (neoadjuvant therapy). The weight of evidence indicates that surgical removal of the tumour is important for improved survival, but only if surgery is included with other therapies. Care must be taken when determining whether a patient should undergo surgery, since many patients are at advanced age.

Removal of the tumour alone from the surfaces on which it is growing (a procedure known as pleurectomy) may be best in early-stage patients. A more aggressive operation, extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), may be required in more-advanced cases. EPP involves the removal of tumour, pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium, with reconstruction of the latter two structures. The tumour grows over a very large surface area, and for that reason the risk of local recurrence following surgery is high. Many modalities have been evaluated and are being used for adjuvant (after surgery) treatment, including heated chemotherapy instillation (gradual introduction of liquid drug into cancerous tissue), photodynamic therapy (administration of a drug that becomes active when the cancerous tissue is exposed to a certain form of light), and various forms of radiation therapy. Local control over the administration of therapy can be made more precise by the use of computerized conformal radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, in which three-dimensional CT is used to guide the delivery of very precise doses of radiation to the tumour or to parts of the tumour.

A number of experimental approaches to treatment capitalizing on the presence of biological or molecular targets have been attempted. Some promising future targets identified in clinical studies have included proteins (e.g., mesothelin) that are commonly found on mesothelioma cells. Growth factors, antiangiogenic drugs, which block the growth of tumour blood vessels, and molecules that stimulate programmed cell death (apoptosis) have also been investigated.

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Mesothelioma | pathology | Britannica.com

What is Mesothelioma? Learn About Causes, Survival Rates …

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive disease that is known to develop over a period of 20 to 40 years. In many cases, the disease is not diagnosed until the end stage, when it is more difficult to treat. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but advanced medical treatments have allowed patients to live longer with the disease. Up to 3,000 people a year are diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma is cancer that forms in the mesothelium, or the thin layer of cells that surround major organs. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. There are three common locations for mesothelioma to form:

In general, the average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is between 12 to 21 months. Some 40 percent of patients survive about a year after a diagnosis and about 20 percent live more than two years following a diagnosis. While rare, there are some patients who live longer than five years with the disease.

The patients age at diagnosis, general health and access to treatment specialists are among the many factors that go into determining a mesothelioma patients life expectancy. Other factors that play a key role are the location of the disease (pleural mesothelioma patients have better survival rates than other disease locations), cell types involved (epithelial cells respond better to treatment than other types) and stage (earlier stage disease is more responsive to treatment). Experts warn that life expectation estimations vary greatly by patient and individual circumstances.

The primary cause of any form of mesothelioma is exposure to the thin, fibrous mineral called asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they travel through the lungs to reach the pleura, where they cause inflammation and scarring to form pleural mesothelioma. In cases of peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma, researchers suspect asbestos fibers are ingested, travel through the lymph system or are absorbed through the skin to irritate surrounding cells. In all cases, the irritations damage cell DNA, causing cells to grow rapidly and abnormally and forming tumors.

Small studies have indicated some people are genetically predisposed to developing mesothelioma because they are more susceptible to the dangers of asbestos. Researchers are also reviewing a link between mesothelioma and Simian virus 40 (SV40), a DNA virus that contaminated early polio vaccines. There has been no definitive link between the virus and mesothelioma.

Physicians determine the stage of disease by performing numerous tests including X-rays, CT (CAT) scans, MRIs, PET scans and biopsies. It is important to determine where the cancer started and if it has spread from the point of origin for a correct disease staging. An accurate assessment of disease stage is crucial to successful treatment options.

Most physicians use a universally accepted tumor grading system to stage the disease. This allows physicians to communicate about a single patient to devise the best treatment plan. The TNM system looks at the size and growth of tumors (T), the involvement of lymph nodes (N) and the metastasis, or spread, of the disease (M). From there, the cancer is staged, with stages I and II as the early disease process and stages III and IV as the more advanced disease. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the later stages, making treatment difficult.

About 55 percent of mid- to late-stage mesothelioma patients live six months after a diagnosis, some 40 percent survive the first year after a diagnosis and about 9 percent survive five years or longer. An overall survival rate is dependent on a number of factors including state and location of the disease, the patients age and general health and the access to treatment specialists. Long-term survivors credit lifestyle changes, alternative medicine and treatment from mesothelioma specialists as contributing factors to their success.

A recent study that looked at 20 years of survivor information, from 1992 to 2012, found pleural and peritoneal survivorship was on the rise. The study found recent advances in treatment, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and cytoreductive surgery, appear to have increased survival rates in peritoneal mesothelioma patients. The studys author suggested genetics, various treatment modalities and gene environment interactions might also play a part in patient longevity.

The optimal treatment approach for most mesothelioma patients is multimodal therapy which is surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This approach, if successful, eliminates diseased tissue and allows for palliative care. Your treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis, disease stage and overall health.

For decades, all branches of the military required asbestos be used to protect service members from heat, fire and chemical threats. It was widely used in barracks, offices, vehicles and vessels. Over a period of 50 years, some 5 million veterans were exposed to asbestos in shipbuilding operations alone. About 30 percent of mesothelioma patients are U.S. military veterans. Occupations that include carpentry, construction, roofing, auto mechanics and milling are at risk for exposure to dangerous levels of asbestos.

It is estimated that more than 300 asbestos products were used on military installations and in military applications between the early 1930s and the late 1970s. More recently, soldiers serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East may be been exposed from airborne asbestos. Companies that produced these products concealed the dangers of mesothelioma to put profits ahead of the safety and well being of our troops.

Gender, age, severity of symptoms, level of asbestos exposure, stage of disease and disease cell type play a significant role in the overall prognosis for mesothelioma patients. In addition, external factors including diet, age, stress level and general health play a role. The average pleural mesothelioma patient with late-stage disease survives about 12 months after a diagnosis, but those treated with surgery and radiation may extend their prognoses by some 28 months. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients who are treated with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) outlive their prognoses by 24 months to 7 years.

Many patients are able to improve their prognosis by seeking treatment options from a qualified mesothelioma specialist. Doctors who are practiced and trained in mesothelioma disease treatment approaches have specialized skills, education and access to crucial information that can make positive changes on long-term health.

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What is Mesothelioma? Learn About Causes, Survival Rates ...

Mesothelioma Cancer | Symptoms, Prognosis, & Treatment

Asbestos has long been prized for resistance to heat and electricity and for its durability, strength, and flexibility. These properties gave it many uses in all kinds of industries, but it has since been proven that long-term exposure to its fibers posesserious health risks, including mesothelioma.

Due to its widespread use in the U.S. and throughout the world, hundreds of millions of people have been and still are exposed to harmful asbestos. Many of these people have developed mesothelioma, a type of cancer that only shows symptoms decades after the exposure occurred.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins in the tissuethis is called the mesotheliumthat lines organs in the body. The most common type of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma, in which tumors form in the tissue around the lungs. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled stick in this tissue and cause damage over decades. Other types of mesothelioma attack the peritoneum in the abdominal cavity or the pericardium around the heart.

Malignant mesotheliomatakes decadessometimes up to 50 yearsto develop after exposure to asbestos, and because it is rare with symptoms similar to more common illnesses, diagnosis is often delayed.

Symptoms of pleural mesotheliomainclude shortness of breath, chest pains, and persistent dry coughing. As the disease advances to its final stage, symptoms can become more severe and typically include severe chest and lung pain, bloating, fatigue, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, night sweats, and fever.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.Fill out our form to receive a freeFinancial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on leading mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.

Most mesothelioma victims are people who worked with or around asbestos. Men and women who served in themilitary, construction workers, shipyard workers, and industrial workers are among those most at risk. Anyone who lived with someone who worked with asbestos may develop mesothelioma after being exposed to fibers brought home on the workers clothing.

U.S. Navy veterans have some of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the country. American naval vessels built from the 1930s to the early 1960s contained large amounts ofasbestos. Floors, hulls, electrical systems, insulation, boilers, steam pipes, and more contained asbestos fibers in order to add tensile strength, heat resistance, and low electrical conductivity.

Other types of workplaces likely to have contained asbestos include power plants, steel plants, manufacturing facilities, oil companies, welding business, automotive shops, chemical plants, mines and processing plants, and textile mills.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Not everyone who was exposed to asbestos will develop the cancer, although exposure is the leading cause. The demographic most likely to be diagnosed is older men, those who worked decades ago in facilities with asbestos.

It can take decades to accuratelydiagnose mesothelioma. Symptoms may not be obvious for 20 to 50 years after exposure. Even then, the symptoms may initially seem mild and mimic those of pneumonia, the flu, and other common illnesses. It is important for physicians to know if patients with mesothelioma-like symptoms may have been exposed to asbestos in the past in order to make the most accurate diagnosis or to refer patients to the right specialists.

After a physical exam, diagnosis will likely involve blood tests, X-rays, and other types of imaging scans. If tumors or growths are seen in scans, the next step is to perform a biopsy. A small piece of tissue is removed to be examined under a microscope. This is usually the most conclusive way to determine if growths are cancerous. After mesothelioma is diagnosed, a specialist will stage the disease.

Mesothelioma, like other cancers, is assigned one of four stages at the time of diagnosis to describe how advanced it is:

Mesothelioma cancer currently has no cure, which means that theprognosisis not usually positive. Additionally the prognosis is often not very good because most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the latter stages, when treatment options are limited.

Its important to remember, however, that each patient is different and while one person may survive a year, another person may go on to live decades. Its imperative to work with your physician on the best treatment options for you and your unique situation.

Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or some combinations have proven to be the most effectivemesothelioma treatmentsso far. Whenever possible, surgery is used to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. Patients who are not good candidates are those whose cancer is in stage 3 or 4, who are elderly, or who are in poor physical condition or poor health.

Patients who undergo surgery are then usually given chemotherapy or radiation to try to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Those who cannot have surgery may be given either or both of these treatments to slow the spread of the cancer and extend life.

Research into mesothelioma is ongoing, and there are some exciting emerging treatments that may help more patients in the future:

In addition to traditional medical treatments, many mesothelioma patients can benefit from a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Specific herbs and vitamins, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and holistic healing, among others may be useful in reducing symptoms and making patients more comfortable.

Remember to fill out our from to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on top asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you havemesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at800-793-4540.

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Mesothelioma Cancer | Symptoms, Prognosis, & Treatment

Mesothelioma: What are it’s Causes, Symptoms & Prognosis …

What is asbestosis disease?

Asbestosis disease is a chronic lung condition that is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

The asbestos fibers lodge in tiny sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, tightness and pain in the chest, chronic cough, loss of appetite, weight loss, and clubbing of fingers and toes.

Treatment can include use of an oxygen tube or mask, pulmonary rehabilitation exercises, or a lung transplant in extreme cases.

No. Although both of these diseases, along with lung cancer, are associated with exposure to asbestos, they are not the same.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease, not a cancer. It is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can get stuck in the small sacs in the lungs. Having asbestosis can increase a patients chances for developing asbestos-related lung cancer.

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer. It affects the mesothelium tissue, which lines the lungs and chest wall, as well as the abdominal cavity, heart, and testicles. Malignant mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers, which lodge in the mesothelium tissue.

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Mesothelioma: What are it's Causes, Symptoms & Prognosis ...

Mesothelioma Lawyer Center | Leading Asbestos Attorneys

For over 20 years weve been helping families like yours connect with leading mesothelioma lawyers. There are many law firms that handle mesothelioma and asbestos cases. Choosing the right law firm for your family can be overwhelming. We clear through the confusion and help you connect withonly the top lawyers nearest to you.

There arent enough words to describe how much our family appreciates everything you have done for us since we met 4 years ago. I feel a very special bond between us that will continue for a very long time.~ Marilyn & Family

One of the most important decisions youll make as you fight this terrible disease is choosing the legal professional who will guide and represent you.Mesothelioma and asbestos cases can be complicated and the laws confusing. It is essential to select a legal team that not only specializes in and has experience with these kinds of cases, but also has a proven and successful track record.

Your lawyer should also be someone who makes you feel comfortable. Moving forward with a case you should have no doubts that your legal team has your best interests in mind. Choose the professional who will fight for you, educate you about the laws and how they affect the choices you make, and who will keep you up to date as your case proceeds.

Perhaps most importantly, a good asbestos or mesothelioma lawyer will help you decide what to do in order to get justice and compensation. Whether you should file a claim with an asbestos trust fund, start a lawsuit, go to trial with your case, or seek compensation through the Veterans Administration is a tough decision to make without good legal advice. Learn more about finding an asbestos lawyer.

Mesothelioma trust funds are financial funds that have been set up by companies that faced bankruptcy over asbestos lawsuits. Before being eligible for bankruptcy protection, these companies were required to set up the trusts to compensate victims of asbestos exposure now and in the future.

Today, there are over a hundred asbestos and mesothelioma trust funds set up in the United States alone, and that number may grow as more companies face liability. According to the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO), close to $17.5 billion has already been awarded to victims of diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. An estimated $30 billion is still available for future cases.

In the past, victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases had to rely on lawsuits for compensation. But since many companies were ordered to set up mesothelioma trust funds, compensation is now more readily available. Get more information about asbestos trust funds.

An asbestos trust fund is not your only option for getting compensation in the wake of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Filing a lawsuit against the company negligent in your asbestos exposure is another way to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and in some instances, punitive damages.

Although there have already been many successful mesothelioma lawsuits brought by asbestos victims in the United States, there are expected to be even more in the coming years. Both in the U.S. and worldwide more people will be diagnosed with asbestos illnesses over the next several years or even decades.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, such as malignant mesothelioma or asbestosis, the first step in getting the substantial compensation you may qualify for is to learn more about how the lawsuit process works and what you may be entitled to receive.Learn more about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

The majority of lawsuits for mesothelioma end in settlements rather than in a trial. In a settlement, the plaintiffs representation negotiates a compensation amount with the defendants legal team. Although its difficult to determine how long a settlement will take, they are generally much quicker than going through a court trial and getting a jury verdict.

Mesothelioma settlement amounts vary according to how long the defendant has lived with an asbestos-related illness, the stage and severity of the illness, and the circumstances surrounding how asbestos exposure took place. No lawyer can guarantee you will win a certain amount, but an experienced attorney make a good approximation.

Many mesothelioma cases have resulted in million-dollar settlements, and some settlements have even reached tens of millions of dollars and more for both the defendants and their loved ones. Its important to understand how mesothelioma settlements work so that you know what to expect. Get more information about settlements.

If you served in the U.S. military and you believe your asbestos exposure occurred during service, you may be able to file for and receive compensation through the Veterans Administration (VA). There are certain requirements you need to meet, and you may also qualify for other types of compensation and healthcare. To sort through the complicated process, and to determine what you qualify for, let an experienced mesothelioma lawyer guide you. Learn more about what the VA offers asbestos victims.

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Mesothelioma Lawyer Center | Leading Asbestos Attorneys

Mesothelioma | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue (membrane) that covers and helps lubricate your abdominal organs. This tissue also helps keep your abdominal organs in place. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 10 to 20 percent of new mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States each year.

In most cases, experts are still not sure why people develop peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos and radiation exposure are risk factors. So is having chronic peritoneal inflammation. However, most people have no risk factors.

Because peritoneal mesothelioma is rare, it sometimes goes undiagnosed for long stretches of time. If your doctor suspects that you have the disease, its best to meet with one of our mesothelioma specialists, who are experienced in diagnosing and treating this condition.

He or she will examine you and work with an MSK pathologist with expertise in identifying mesothelioma cells and determining which subtype you may have.

The major subtypes of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

Once your treatment team has identified your subtype, we can prescribe a treatment plan customized for you. For example, within the epithelial subtype alone, there are varying grades of disease. And if you have the subtype known as well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma, you may need limited treatment, such as monitoring with a radiology test.

Learn more about how we customize a treatment plan for you.

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Mesothelioma | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Mesothelioma | Treatments, Symptoms, Causes, Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops on the protective lining around the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and can take 20-50 years to develop.

QUICK FACT

Men comprise 81% of pleural cases and 56% of peritoneal cases.

Malignant mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Sharp asbestos fibers cause mesothelial cells to mutate and become cancerous when inhaled or ingested. It takes around 20-50 years after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop.

The most common products that contain asbestos include:

Occupational Exposure:

Since asbestos was widely used in industrial and commercial products, a large number of individuals have been exposed to this toxic substance in the workplace.

Veterans Exposure:

Asbestos was extensively used in every branch of the military due to its insulating and fire retardant properties. Veterans who worked as boilerman, pipefitters, mechanics and welders had the highest risk of exposure.

Secondary Exposure:

Family members can inhale asbestos fibers and dust carried into the home on work clothes. This is referred to as "secondary" or "take home" exposure.

Early symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to more common diseases such as pneumonia, the flu, or irritable bowel syndrome. Due to the long latency period associated with this cancer, symptoms dont usually appear until tumors have progressed. Symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma diagnosed.

Pleural

Dry cough, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, general fatigue

Peritoneal

77%

have abdominal fluid buildup

Abdominal pain, bowel irregularity, general fatigue, seizures (10% of patients)

Pericardial

Irregular heartbeat

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

General fatigue

Weight loss

Many patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma after exhibiting a persistent cough, pneumonia-like symptoms, or fluid buildup. Because this type of cancer has a long latency period, its symptoms often appear without warning.

When a patient exhibits persistent symptoms, a doctor will suggest a series of tests. These tests will determine the type and stage of the cancer.

Diagnostic testing includes:

QUICK FACT

Average Age at Diagnosis

Pleural: 69

Peritoneal: 55

Mesothelioma cancer can be made up of 3 different cell variations, each with their own effects on a patients prognosis:

Staging determines cancers severity and also indicates which treatment options are available. Cancer stages assign a number between 1 and 4 to the disease, with stage 1 being the least severe and stage 4 being the most progressed.

Based on the stage of the patients disease, specialists either prescribe treatments to remove the cancer, offer chemotherapy to extend life expectancy, or simply focus on limiting patient discomfort.

About 40% of mesothelioma patients have a one-year prognosis. A patients prognosis is often based on stage, cell type, and their overall health. Women and younger patients have a better life expectancy than older men.

There are several steps patients can take to improve their prognosis.

1

Seeing a specialist is the most important way to improve your prognosis. Surgeons and oncologists who specialize in treating mesothelioma are vital components of your treatment plan and prognosis.

2

Patients should explore all available treatment options. This includes treatments such as immunotherapy, clinical trials, and multimodal treatment regimens that involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

3

A nutrient-rich diet and active lifestyle play a significant role in how patients feel before, during, and after treatment.

Researchers estimate the one-year survival rate for mesothelioma to be about 40%. However, survival is impacted by many factors including treatments, cell type, overall health, and metastasis.

Everybody is different and their bodies react different to the treatment available. Try not to focus too much on the statistics but focus on you and how you deal with the treatments.

Selecting a mesothelioma specialist is one of the most important decisions a patient can make. General oncologists do not have much experience in treating mesothelioma because only 3,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

A specialist can:

Treatment prescribed by a specialist can significantly extend a patients life. Not every specialist treats every type of mesothelioma. Depending on the stage, type, location, severity and more, certain specialists are a better fit than others.

What Others Are Saying About Us

My wife and I so appreciate how Jenna was able to make us not feel lost and alone. She thoroughly understood our situation, verified that we were taking the right steps, explained other steps to take, provided recommendations for specialists, and explained many services that the Mesothelioma Guide can provide. She helped put our minds at ease

Mike W.

Mesothelioma treatment isnt one size fits all. Specialists choose from a variety of cancer treatment options depending on the location of the disease, the cell type, and the personal medical history of the patient. For the best treatment, find a cancer center with experience in mesothelioma treatment and research.

Surgery is the only treatment option known to significantly extend life and virtually every mesothelioma patient who has lived more than five years has had surgery.

The first-line chemotherapy drugs approved by the FDA to treat mesothelioma are Alimta and Cisplatin, often used together and in conjunction with surgery as a multimodal approach to improve a patients prognosis.

Radiation treatment is often used to slow the growth and progression of mesothelioma in conjunction with other methods like surgery and chemotherapy. It is also used to reduce pain with tumor growth.

Specialists will use a combination of different treatment methods to improve a patients prognosis. Radiation and chemotherapy are often used before, during, or after surgery to help reduce the chance of a recurrence and improve a patients overall survival.

Clinical trials are an additional option to consider for patients who have exhausted other treatments. Immunotherapy drugs are currently being offered in clinical trials.

Some survivors credit alternative health options as instrumental in their recovery and reduction of side effects. Examples include yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.

Jenna Campagna is a registered nurse and a mesothelioma patient advocate. She helps patients discuss their treatment options, offers ways to receive novel treatments that may still be in clinical trials, and finds doctors who are open to multimodal surgical options.

Most veterans with mesothelioma are eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Two financial benefits available to veterans are Disability Compensation for veterans primarily exposed in the military, while Pension is for non-service related mesothelioma cases. Family members and dependents can also receive financial assistance.

In addition, the VA has contracted with two world-renowned thoracic surgeons who provide specialized mesothelioma treatment to any veteran enrolled in the VA Health Care system.

What Others Are Saying About Us

In my mail today I received a letter from the VA with their decision about my DIC claim. I looked at the balance in my bank account and found that I have already received the payment for the first four months of back pay, plus the regular August 1 payment for July. I am blown away by this and cannot thank you enough, Carl, for all your help in filing this claim. Thank you.

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Jenna Campagna is a registered nurse and patient advocate who is passionate about helping mesothelioma patients navigate their health care. She has over seven years of experience working with patients diagnosed with rare diseases including mesothelioma. Jenna is also a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators and her goal is to connect patients to top mesothelioma specialists, treatment facilities, and clinical trials. Through her writing, she aims to simplify the complicated journey through mesothelioma by offering helpful tips and advice.

Last Edited: March 26, 2019.

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Mesothelioma | Treatments, Symptoms, Causes, Prognosis

Mesothelioma – What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer

The American Cancer Society records about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year in the U.S.

Its a disease that mostly affects people who worked with asbestos and products containing asbestos.

While there are treatments that control tumor growth, researchers have not found a definitive cure for the cancer.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

The cancer develops when a person ingests asbestos, and it causes changes to a persons DNA.

Our genes, which are made of DNA, control how cells grow, multiply and die. Changes in our genes may cause cells to divide out of control and may lead to cancer.

Tumors also can be benign (noncancerous). But when tumors are cancerous, doctors call the disease malignant mesothelioma. It is often shortened to mesothelioma.

Common mesothelioma symptoms include:

These mesothelioma symptoms usually do not show until tumors have grown and spread. Mesothelioma latency is 20-50 years. Thats how long it takes from initial exposure to accurate diagnosis. For that reason, many people with mesothelioma are in their 60s or 70s.

You should talk to a mesothelioma specialist soon if you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience these symptoms. An early diagnosis may improve your prognosis and life expectancy.

Select the diagnosis you or your loved one is facing and receive a free guide with the right information for you:

Oncologists name each type of mesothelioma by the location in the body where it develops.

The pleural and peritoneal types of mesothelioma are the most common. Pericardial accounts for 1 percent of cases. Another rare type is testicular mesothelioma. It represents less than 1 percent of all mesotheliomas.

Prognosis, symptoms and treatment options vary by type.

Asbestos use in the military was widespread from 1940 to 1980. Veterans from all branches of the U.S. armed forces were at risk of exposure. Navy veterans are most at risk. This branch used the largest quantity of asbestos products.

More than 75 occupations have exposed workers to asbestos. Auto mechanics, textile workers, steel mill workers, construction workers and firefighters are among the most at risk.

Asbestos workers unknowingly carried asbestos fibers on their body and clothing. This resulted in secondary asbestos exposure among residents such as women and children.

Younger patients and women have a better mesothelioma prognosis than older men. People diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma also have a higher chance of survival.

Patients eligible to undergo multimodal therapy, which is a combination of two or more standard-of-care treatments, have a better life expectancy and improved prognosis.

A patients mesothelioma cell type also plays a significant role in prognosis and life expectancy.

The three types of cells include:

The cancer is localized. Surgery is most effective at this stage. Survival rate is higher. Median life expectancy at stage 1 is 22.2 months.

Tumors have started to spread from the original location into adjacent structures. Surgery is still an option. Median life expectancy at stage 2 is 20 months.

Cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage with spread into the regional lymph nodes. Surgery may still be an option. Median life expectancy at stage 3 is 17.9 months.

Cancer has spread extensively in the area where it developed. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy control symptoms and prolong survival. Median life expectancy at stage 4 is 14.9 months or less.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. It represents only 0.3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. Most doctors and oncologists have never encountered it.

A 2009 study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine states that cancer care requires the technical knowledge and skills of specialty physicians such as medical oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists.

These are factors that impact a mesothelioma patients survival. Thats why finding a mesothelioma specialist is so important.

Finding a mesothelioma specialty center with experienced mesothelioma doctors is crucial to survival.

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Dr. Abraham Lebenthal is a respected thoracic surgeon who treats pleural mesothelioma patients at Brigham & Womens Hospital and Boston VA Hospital. Lebenthal worked alongside Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and teaches at Harvard Medical School.

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Robert B. Cameron developed a lung-sparing surgery for pleural mesothelioma that not only extends survival, but offers greater quality of life by preserving the lung. Camerons surgery has a lower risk of complications and studies report longer survival times.

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Dr. Jacques Fontaine is the Director of the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. He specializes in minimally invasive thoracic surgery including robotic surgery. Fontaine became a pleural mesothelioma specialist at Brigham & Womens Hospitals International Mesothelioma Program.

Washington Cancer Center

Dr. Paul Sugarbaker is the countrys leading expert on peritoneal mesothelioma. He developed the widely renowned cytoreductive surgery and heated chemotherapy technique that changed the landscape of peritoneal cancer treatment. Many people with peritoneal mesothelioma are alive today because of Sugarbakers innovations.

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center

Dr. W. Charles Conway is an expert in peritoneal mesothelioma and the Director of Surgical Oncology at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara, California. He specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery and heated chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Dr. J.F. Pingpank Jr. is a peritoneal mesothelioma expert who advocates for regional therapy. The approach applies treatment locally around the cancer to limit damage to the rest of the body. Pingpank specializes in cytoreductive surgery and heated chemotherapy.

We can help you or a loved one find a mesothelioma doctor who specializes in chemotherapy.

Mesothelioma treatment helps patients live longer lives. But not every patient is eligible for each type of mesothelioma treatment.

The most common treatments for mesothelioma include:

More than 70 percent of mesothelioma patients undergo chemotherapy

Clinical trials offer mesothelioma patients access to experimental therapies. They also provide scientific and medical information for researches to develop new treatments. Patients in clinical trials also receive excellent medical care.

Herbal medicines, mind-body therapies, holistic healing and other complementary therapies may benefit patients.

Thank you for the doctor referral info. We met with the doctor and came away with what seemed like a weight lifted.

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We can help you or a loved one get a diagnosis or a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist.

Many companies that produced, distributed or used asbestos products knew it was deadly. But they neglected to warn their employees. Filing a lawsuit can help mesothelioma patients cover lost wages, medical expenses and other costs.

$180,000 is the median value for mesothelioma claims, according to a 2010 report from the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit institution that conducts research and analysis on asbestos bankruptcy trusts.

A person with mesothelioma can file a personal injury lawsuit. Mesothelioma lawyers file these against companies responsible for their clients asbestos exposure. Families can file wrongful death claims when a loved one dies of mesothelioma.

Qualified mesothelioma attorneys can help you decide when to file a lawsuit. They can also guide you through the process. Time is of the essence because statute of limitations may expire. A mesothelioma lawyer will review your case so you receive the highest compensation.

Learn How to Hire a Qualified Mesothelioma Lawyer

Support is available for mesothelioma patients, survivors and loved ones in many forms.

The Mesothelioma Centers monthly online support group meets every second Wednesday. Licensed mental health counselor Dana Nolan runs the support group. Patients and survivors can share their experiences with others on a similar cancer journey.

Last Modified November 26, 2018

Registered Nurse and Patient Advocate

Karen Selby joined Asbestos.com in 2009. She is a registered nurse with a background in oncology and thoracic surgery and was the regional director of a tissue bank before becoming a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center. Karen has assisted surgeons with thoracic surgeries such as lung resections, lung transplants, pneumonectomies, pleurectomies and wedge resections. She is also a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators.

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Mesothelioma - What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer