Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, benign or malignant, that affects the mesothelium, a membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura, the lining around the lungs, or peritoneum, the lining around the abdomen. This disease is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a name given to naturally occurring silicate minerals that have been mined for its useful properties, such as thermal insulation and chemical and thermal stability. Read more »

In 2004, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved Alimta, the first approved mesothelioma drug. This medication is intended for treatment of malignant mesothelioma and is generally used in conjunction with Cisplatin, a platinum compound which has been used as a general cancer treatment since its FDA approval in 1979. Used in combination, the drugs attack the cancerous cell growth. Some mesothelioma victims are too weak to be treated with surgery or in a later stage cancer, resulting in chemotherepy being the best option. Read more »

Unlike malignant mesothelioma, which has a high mortality rate, benign mesothelioma is not cancerous and can be much easier to treat and remove. Benign mesothelioma accounts for about 10% of the total number of cases. Although the cancer patient may incur similiar symptoms to its malignant counterpart, benign tumors do not invade nearby tissue and organs, and do not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors can grow large enough to cause negative side effects, which may induce seizures or even comas.

Typical symptoms may include:

* Chest pain Read more »

The mesothelioma survival rate is the percentage of people who are afflicted with the disease and survive after a period of time, which is usually based on a 5 year span. In this case, the survival rate is the percentage of patients who are alive 5 years after a diagnosis. The mesothelioma survival rates generally depend on the following factors:

* Stage of mesothelioma (see Mesothelioma Stages)
* Patient's age and health
* Size of the tumor Read more »

To obtain mesothelioma compensation for you and your family, your attorney will need to conduct extensive research to determine who is legally responsible. Your mesothelioma attorney should have specialty handling personal injury and wrongful death claims related to mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Read more »

Depending on the patient's exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma could appear as early as 15 years or as late as 30-40 years after exposure. The most common symptoms include:

* Shortness of breath
* Constant chest pain
* Coughing up blood
* Rapid weight loss
* Fatigue and weakness
* Difficulty swallowing
* High fevers

Many of signs pertain to pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease.

Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as abdominal mesothelioma, is another common form of the disease that affects the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms may include: Read more »

For years, medical researchers have studied cancer and monitored its progression in terms of stages, which allows doctors to determine the extent the patient's cancer and how far has it has spread. The proper staging of cancer is critical in allowing the oncologist to determine the best course of mesothelioma treatment.

Below is a general list of mesothelioma stages a patient may experience: Read more »

Mesothelioma litigation provides compensation to victims affected with this disease. A mesothelioma settlement can help offset the medical expenses associated with costly surgery, radiation therapy and chemical treatments, as well as punitive damages. It would provide financial assistance for the victim's pain and suffering, along with a diminished quality of life. Read more »

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location and size of the cancerous tumor, the progression of the disease, and the patient's age and health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherepy.

Depending on the patient's conditions, these treatments can be combined:

• Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma, which may involve removing part of the lining and tissue of the chest or abdomen. For cancer of the pleura, a pneumonectomy may have to be performed, in which one of the lungs may be removed if the cancer is severe. Read more »

Asbestos is a natural mineral made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when distributed. When these fiber become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs, asbestos may cause significant health problems, most likely leading to malignant mesothelioma. Scientists have yet to determine a "safe level" of exposure to asbestos, but in general, the greater and longer the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting an asbestos related disease. Some of these health problems include: Read more »