By Deirdre Reedy

Mesothelioma is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. While knowledge has increased over the past years, doctors and scientists alike still know relatively little about this aggressive disease that strikes the membranes encasing the lungs (pleura). What is known is the challenge in finding effective treatment options for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the more common form of the disease, and as a result, doctors have a slight advantage in treating this type. Patients who develop peritoneal mesothelioma often face more promising prognoses, but fewer options when the outlook is less positive. The recent release of study results from the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City on potential peritoneal mesothelioma treatments comes as welcome news -- particularly to New York mesothelioma lawyers who represent many patients suffering from the disease.

Study Results

According to the American Journal of Oncology, the study reviewed a treatment regimen incorporating surgery, multiagent intraperitoneal chemotherapy and abdominal radiation. Results showed a median overall survival of 70 months and a three-year survival rate of 67%.

Why is this important?

While a three year survival rate may not sound like much to the layperson in good health, the truth is that any victory in the fight against mesothelioma is a major one. This cancer is different from many others in that doctors do understand its cause; asbestos exposure.

Today companies in the Unites States follow strict laws regarding the use of asbestos, but corporate greed in decades past has produced a legacy of truly preventable cancer. Workers exposed to asbestos as long as 60 years ago can develop mesothelioma today.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your first step should be to contact a New York mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation. There are limits on the time in which you can file, so immediate action is important to secure compensation.

This article was submitted by Deirdre Reedy on behalf of Belluck & Fox, LLP

Belluck & Fox, LLP

The attorneys of Belluck & Fox, LLP help victims of asbestos -- including mesothelioma, unsafe products, toxic chemicals, medical malpractice, construction accidents, and serious injuries. Asbestos-related illnesses are a special focus of the firm -- they have filed mesothelioma cases across the state of New York and are dedicated to representing those affected by the disease.

For more information about mesothelioma or to discuss your case, call Belluck & Fox toll-free at 1-877-LAW-NY07 or visit the website at http://www.belluckfox.com

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Labels: Malignant Mesothelioma

Old Apartment Buildings

Many apartments were built over 30 years ago and often contain asbestos. Although many building owners have worked to remove the dangerous substance, many apartments have been left untouched. Over time, asbestos fibers can cause serious health concerns, particularly mesothelioma. Before you move into a new apartment be sure to speak with the property manager about asbestos being used in the building. If the building contained asbestos at one time, make sure that it has been fully removed before you decide to move in.

Old School Buildings

Older schools may have gone under the same progression as older apartment buildings. At one time insulation containing asbestos was thought to be safe; however, many schools have worked to remove the dangerous substance after it was discovered to be dangerous. School buildings are required by law to be up to code and school administrators should be aware of any presence of asbestos, past or present. If the building contained asbestos at one time, ask for the dates that it was removed so that you can be sure that the building is safe.

Demolitions of Old Buildings

Demolitions are not only necessary to advance the real estate market, but are also fascinating to watch. While watching the destruction of a large building can be fun, it is important to be aware that being near the destruction process of a building that was built more than 25 years ago could be dangerous. Asbestos was commonly used in older structures and demolition may release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air surrounding the demolition site.

Old Insulation

Asbestos was frequently used as an insulator in buildings until the early 1980s. Over time, the amount of asbestos in insulation has been substantially reduced due to the discovery of the dangers presented by the substance. If you're thinking of replacing old insulation in your home or office, make sure to contact a professional to complete the job. Professionals have the skills to remove the insulation without causing damage to those nearby.

Brake Pads

Asbestos found on brake pads in cars is much more common than you may think. If you need your brake pads replaced, be sure to contact a licensed auto technician. A professional technician will be able to assist you in safely replacing brake pads that may contain asbestos.

While a good majority of asbestos containing insulation and substances have been removed from older buildings and apartments, asbestos can still be found in various unforeseen areas. The development of mesothelioma has a drastic effect on the lives of victims, causing them to suffer physically, emotionally, and financially. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a mesothelioma attorney immediately to learn more about your legal options.

Joseph Devine

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Labels: Mesothelioma Abestos

Asbestos has been used for centuries and is not, as some think, a recent product. At one time items made from asbestos were regarded as having an equal value to gold. In fact, it is reputed that Charles the Great, (King of the Franks in the year 768) had a tablecloth made from asbestos. It does have a resistance to fire and heat and has been used over centuries for this practical purpose - from historical uses such as lamp wicks and Egyptian burial shrouds through to modern brake pad linings. It has been used for high temperature wiring insulation as well as in the construction of buildings to insulate and protect against fire.

There are many forms of asbestos but there are three main types, white, brown and blue.

White asbestos: otherwise known as chrysotile is the type preferred in industry. It has a flexible property and has been used in many theatres for fire safety curtains, as well as for firefighter’s protective clothing. Some evidence exists that it is harmful but not as harmful as some other types.

Brown asbestos: also known as amosite, this type usually originates from Africa and is highly bio-hazardous.

Blue asbestos: also known as crocidolite comes from Australia and Africa. This type is believed to be the most dangerous type of asbestos, therefore it is extremely bio-hazardous.

There are other types that someone may come across, some of which include actinolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos and tremolite asbestos. These are not as commonly used industrially, but may still be found in some products.

The main danger to health from asbestos is from the fibres, which can be inhaled. The four main diseases associated with asbestos fibre inhalation are asbestosis, mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and diffuse pleural thickening.

Asbestosis: Caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, generally from heavy exposure. It is defined as lung fibrosis.

Mesothelioma: This is a form of cancer where cancerous or malignant cells are found in the mesothelium. This is the protective sac that most of the body’s organs are covered with. It mainly affects the lining of the lungs, which is known as the pleura and the peritoneum, which surrounds the lower digestive tract. Around 80 percent of cases of mesothelioma show the patient to have had a history of exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos-related lung cancer: For many years now asbestos exposure has been recognised as a high risk factor for the development of lung cancer. It is not possible, however, to put a direct number to the amount of cases of lung cancer, which have been caused by asbestos. This is because there are other risk agents that cause the disease, tobacco smoke for instance. Unfortunately it is not possible to distinguish which risk agent was the cause of a case of lung cancer.

Diffuse pleural thickening: As mentioned previously the pleura is a membrane covering which lines the inside of the rib cage and also surrounds the lungs. If asbestos fibres are inhaled, some may work their way into the pleura and this can lead to scarring and or fibrosis. This may cause the pleura to thicken. The condition will show up on an x-Ray. If this thickening spreads over a large area it may cause a restriction of expansion of the lungs.

It has now become clear that exposure to asbestos can be harmful. Because of this, the use of it has virtually disappeared. If there are products in the home that may contain asbestos, it is advisable to have a professional contractor inspect them. It is a complex process to remove asbestos and should always be done by a qualified person. It can be a highly dangerous and even lethal substance. If in doubt then call someone out.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Asbestos

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Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

Labels: Mesothelioma Abestos