Cancer Blog

Let me make this clear at the outset. I’m not a doctor. And the word mesothelioma is some kind of a tongue-twister to me.

This article is an ofshoot of my website - mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com - that lists all the resources about this disease, and includes useful articles, symptoms, treatments and mesothelioma lawyers.

But let me start off with this article with a definition of the term from Wordweb.

Mesothelioma is ” a rare form of carcinoma of the mesothelium lining lungs or abdomen or heart; usually associated with exposure to asbestos dust.”

So there you are. Mesothelioma and asbestos have a common denominator. Asbestos is the root cause of a disease widely known as mesothelioma. In fact, those who breath asbestos dust have high probability of acquiring this disease.

The most common form of mesothelioma is known as pleural mesothelioma, which affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity and the lungs.

There are about 2,000 cases of mesothelioma that are reported yearly in the United States alone.

The sad part is that mesothelioma symptoms may not appear until about 30 years from first exposure to asbestos. The use of asbestos was as wide and common as late as thirty years ago, and those that have recently manifested their mesothelioma symptoms got exposed to asbestos from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is usually found among people with long exposure to asbestos. Because asbestos had been widely used for industrial and construction applications until thirty years ago, those affected by the disease were those that have worked in the manufacturing and construction industries.

By the way, not all reported cases of mesothelioma had worked in either manufacturing or construction industry. Some mesothelioma cases were reported from those who at one time or another were exposed to clothing materials that had asbestos dust on them.

Unlike the AIDS virus, mesothelioma takes a very long time to manifest itself. Most people are diagnosed with the cancer 30 to 50 years from first exposure to asbestos. Evidence of mesothelioma cancer is difficult at the start, because it has the same signs as pneumonia.

Other symptoms of the disease include cough, loss of weight, pain in the abdomen, anemia, fever, and shortness of breath. Check out mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com for a comprehensive information on mesothelioma symptoms.

Fighting the Disease

Mesothelioma treatment usually starts with a physical examination, including x-rays, CT scan, MRI, and biopsy.

If the cancer is detected, the extent of the cancer is determined. Like any form of cancer that is earlier diagnosed, mesothelioma cancer can be cured. Treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy, among others. For a comprehensive information of mesothelioma treatment, please refer to mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

There has been an increasing number of lawsuits involving mesothelioma cases during the last few years. Lawyers specializing in mesothelioma cases usually demand higher fees from complainants, because they demand higher damages from defendant industrial, construction and eering firms. Get yourself equipped with a comprehensive information on mesothelioma attorneys from the website, mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com.

What is pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma cancer that accounts for approximately 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Cancerous cells build up on the lining of the heart.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Asbestos is the main cause of pericardial mesothelioma. When exposed to asbestos without sufficient protection, dust and fibres from the asbestos are inhaled and become lodged in the lungs. From here they can either pass into the lymphatic system and get transported to the lining of the heart or the fibres can just pass through to the heart over time.

Who is at risk from pericardial mesothelioma?

Those who have worked with asbestos constantly for a period of time without sufficient protection are those at risk. These people include construction workers and those who work in asbestos manufacturing plants. Individuals in contact with those in contact with asbestos are also at risk because asbestos fibres can cling to clothes and hair.

How much exposure to asbestos does it take to have a possibility of getting pericardial mesothelioma?

This varies depending on the concentration of the asbestos dust and fibres in the area but it has been recorded that those who have only been exposed for a couple of months have a chance of obtaining pericardial mesothelioma.

What are the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma?

Common symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are persistent coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Other symptoms that patients may experience are weight loss, nausea and loss of appetite.

What is the latency period of pericardial mesothelioma?

All forms of mesothelioma have an extraordinarily long latency period (amount of time symptoms take to show up after having disease). The latency period is between 30 – 50 years and so pericardial mesothelioma is usually discovered in elderly men who have had pericardial mesothelioma for most of their life but have never known it.

What is the prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma?

This is highly dependent on how early and how aggressively the cancerous cells are treated. If the cancer is treated when it has fully developed and matured then the chances of a patient’s survival is very small. The prognosis could be only a couple of months.

Is there any promising research for pericardial mesothelioma?

At the moment, research into pericardial mesothelioma is being conducted all over the USA in research labs and also many pharmaceutical companies are endeavouring to find new drugs for chemotherapy. So far, there is still no cure for mesothelioma although researchers predict that new drugs will soon be discovered.

Cancer patients are subjected to a barrage of cutting-edge medical treatments — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, etc. How effective are these? Like in casino gambling — many patrons tried their luck and some win but many more lost. At the end of the day, the winner is the Establishment! Don’t get me wrong. The “business” of curing cancer does produce winners. Some current methods of treatment are very useful and life-saving. But more often some treatments are just outright dangerous, if we care to see or know what had really happened.

A review of medical literature seems to indicate that CHEMOTHERAPY — the use of cytotoxic drugs for killing cancer cells in the body, appears to many authors are “barbaric”, while others feel that they are not effective at all.

The popular magazine in Germany, Der Spiegel of 4 October 2004, had an article entitled: “Giftkur ohne Nutzen” translated as “The Useless Poisonous Cures.” The article stated that “increasingly sophisticated and expensive cellular poisons are being given to seriously ill patients … patients do not actually live a day longer.”

Wolfgang Wrasidlo, director of drug development, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California was quoted to have said: “Everybody knows that our present cancer drugs are lousy.”

Barry Sears, author of Enter the Zone wrote: “The existing treatments for cancer are probably the most barbaric in modern medicine.”

Dr. Jeffrey Tobias, clinical director of the Meyerstein Institute of Oncology, UK, (in the book: Cancer) said: “It is … surprising how often the rule of: first do no harm is ignored”. Sometimes oncologists use chemotherapy indiscriminately with “no justification other than the physician’s desire to do something.” Such remark is indeed disturbing. Does it mean that in the past or even now, chemotherapy has been used on patients indiscriminately?

Dr. Urich Abel, an eminent German professor at the University of Heidelberg concluded that: (in Der Spiegel 33:174-176. 1990): “For most of today’s common solid cancer, the ones that cause 90% of the cancer deaths every year — breast, lung, colon, rectum, skin, liver, pancreatic and bladder –chemotherapy has never been proved to do any good at all.”

Dr. Ralph Moss, fired from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for telling the truth, has written books and numerous articles on chemotherapy – e.g., Questioning Chemotherapy, Cancer Industry, etc. According to Dr. Moss “chemotherapy usually doesn’t cure cancer or extend life. It does not improve the quality of patient’s life either. On the contrary it can “greatly decrease the quality of life.”

Albert Braverman, a professor of oncology at the State University of New York, USA, wrote: “Many medical oncologists recommend chemotherapy for virtually any tumour, with a hopefulness undiscouraged by almost invariable failures” (Lancet, April 1991.337:901).

Johan Bjorksten from the University of Wisconsin, USA, wrote: “Chemotherapy alone destroys the immune system beyond a point … which increases the risk for early death from infections and other cancers in these immunologically naked people.” (in J. Bjorksten, JAB Pulb., 1978, pg. 22, Charleston, S.C).

Dr. Richard Evans (in his book: The Cancer Breakthrough You’ve Never Heard Of) wrote: “Patients should understand that chemotherapy is of little benefit for … solid tumors. Every year thousands of people endure toxic side effects … and receive little, if any, benefit.”

Dr. W. John Diamond & Associates, writing about conventional medical treatment for cancer said: “The so-called success of conventional cancer treatment is often illusionary. There is no conclusive … evidence or data demonstrating long-term successful outcomes or reasonable rates of remissions to support these practices.”

Dr. John Lee & Associates wrote (in their book: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer): “Some chemotherapy does prolong life for a few months, but generally at the high price of devastating side effects. The use of chemotherapy is purely a gamble… Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t and sometimes it makes things worse.”

In the light of the above comments by various experts I feel that cancer patients need to empower themselves. In the name of fairness, I feel that anyone who is to undergo any invasive treatment procedures such as chemotherapy MUST be provided with sufficient and honest information so that he would be able to decide for himself what is best for him. Unfortunately, many patients who came to see us were left ignorant or very much unaware of what they were in for — the cards were not laid out for them. Sometimes they were even misinformed.

Without any disrespect to any person or profession, I have to point out that one much needed step that has to be taken is to seek the truth about the current treatments for cancer. Let us study all the records available and let us ask these questions and find honest, unbiased answers. For all the surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (and other drugs) that have been administered to patients:

1. How many patients have been cured?

2. How many have benefited from the treatments?

3. What are the benefits and at what cost?

4. How many died?

5. How many survived after one, two, three, five or ten years after the treatments?

6. How many siffered metastases of the liver, bone, lungs, etc.?

7. Is there any correlation between the treatments they received and the metastases that occurred?

Unfortunately, such answers remain elusive and not forthcoming. The strategy to remain in this lucrative cancer-treatment-business is to be as non-committal with the real facts — be as vague and ambiguous as possible in addition to putting up a false front of “I-know-all” image.

“You patients don’t ask too many questions. I am the one who know best and you just follow my orders.”

Let me end with this quotation:

“None are so blind as those who have eyes and see not;

and none are so deaf as those who have ears and hear not.”

More than 20 years ago, when I was 47-year-old doctoral student in psychology, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course, I was devastated. At the time, I had been running for 15 years, and I was the most physically fit person I knew. It was incomprehensible to me that I had cancer.

After surgery, further testing determined that the cancer had already spread. Nevertheless, instead of the recommended radiation and chemotherapy, I put my faith in Dr. John McDougall, a physician who was then researching the relationship between a vegan diet (no animal products) and breast cancer. Though I had previously stopped eating red meat, when diagnosed, I was still eating other animal products and my blood tests showed elevated cholesterol levels. So, with the assistance of Dr. McDougall, I eliminated all animal products, including fish and dairy. Today, as I approach my 70th cancer-free birthday, I relish my vegan diet and daily run. I am a six-time Ironman Triathlon finisher, holder of more than 900 gold medals from every distance from 100 meter to 5K road races to ultramarathons and triathlons. I have completed more than 60 marathons all over the world and I have made three world fitness records in my age group at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. In 1999, I was named one of the “Top Ten Fittest Women in North America.”

I also redirected my academic course of study. I was so impressed with what my new diet did for me that I changed from psychology to health education, with majors in nutrition and exercise physiology. I am firmly convinced that a key element in my sustained health is my vegan diet. Moreover, since most plant foods are low in calories (exceptions are nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, and coconuts), I also eat a lot more than most people while keeping a healthy weight. So, I am never hungry. From 1982 until 2000, I ate a vegan diet that included grains and some processed foods.

I began most mornings with oatmeal, bananas, and raisins moistened with water or apple juice and a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. To boost the nutritional value, I added greens such as kale, edible hibiscus, seaweed or cabbage. Occasionally, I had pancakes or waffles covered with applesauce or fruit purée (instead of butter or margarine).

Lunch consisted of a number of possibilities such as baked or microwaved potatoes with carrot and broccoli sticks, whole wheat pita bread stuffed with sliced mixed vegetables, a whole wheat bagel with an orange and apple, or brown rice mixed with succotash. When eating lunch in a restaurant, I often asked for a bread sandwich — a whole grain bun or two slices of bread. I then stuffed the bread with greens, tomato, bell pepper, and onions.

Dinner was often similar to lunch. Or, it included such options as spaghetti made with whole-wheat pasta and sauce prepared with tomato paste, onions, garlic, bell peppers, chopped broccoli, and seasonings, or chili made with kidney beans, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, bell pepper, chili power and lots of brown rice. I made pizza with whole-wheat crust covered with a tomato-based sauce with chopped green onions, round onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and alfalfa sprouts.

Between meals, I never allowed myself to become hungry. I nibbled on fruit, carrots, whole grain breads, air-popped popcorn, and sweet potatoes. To avoid any temptation, I did not keep any high fat foods in my home. For dessert, I ate fruit or air-popped popcorn.

In 2000, I eliminated grains and processed foods from my diet. I now eat only raw foods. Since I begin most days with a three to four hour workout, usually including an hour on the bike, a weight session or a swim, followed by an hour’s run, I don’t eat breakfast until later in the morning. Then, I have a big bowl filled with greens, one carrot, half a mango, a large banana, and six large grapes. The mixture is topped with one round tablespoon of B12 fortified nutritional yeast and one to two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses.

Since breakfast is so late, I do not eat a full meal again until dinner. Dinner includes lots of greens such as broccoli, stalks of kale, celery, unpeeled English cucumber, cabbage, a carrot, one half bell pepper, one half large tomato, six cloves of garlic, and half of a yam or sweet potato, raw. The mixture is topped with one to two cups of salsa, one tablespoon regular mustard, and one tablespoon freshly ground flaxseed.

Dessert consists of blueberries and a second fruit, a small handful of walnuts, and one tablespoon blackstrap molasses. Throughout the day, I snack on carrots, celery sticks, grapes, dates, and, in the evening, I eat air-popped popcorn.

As long as you eat a sufficient amount of calories, you cannot be deficient in protein. Since all vegetables contain adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids, you will obtain all the essential amino acids you require from a plant-based diet. Moreover, because you are obtaining calcium from the same source as cows – that is plant foods, primarily greens– you will have enough calcium.

While you should make a point of drinking lots of water, I also recommend two other beverages. To replace your morning coffee, try drinking a mug of hot water with one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. And, since I live in Hawaii, where it is always warm outside, I enjoy keeping a jug of homemade lemonade in the refrigerator. I make it by squeezing half a lemon into a half-gallon jug of water and then add a little sweetener.

My raw vegan diet gives me an unbelievable amount of energy. Of course, without such energy, I could never compete in all the events that I do, especially the Ironman Triathlon. I almost never miss a day of training. As a bonus, I sleep like the proverbial rock.

In addition to changing your diet, this is a good time to modify your behavior. One of the most important things that you can do is to incorporate regular exercise into your life. To help keep you motivated, you should consider joining a group. Although I ran for about 15 years by myself, after I joined a group of runners, I increased my distance and began to really challenge myself. And, while I find swimming by myself somewhat boring, swimming as a group is fun. In case of an accident or mechanical failure, longer bike rides should always include at least one other biker. Plus, rides are more enjoyable with other people. Where I live in Hawaii, there is never a shortage of people who want to go for a ride. Over time I have come to realize that triathletes are among the most sociable people I have ever met. So, whatever your age, give it a try. When exercise is fun, you won’t have trouble making yourself do it!

Copyright © 2005, by Weight Loss Buddy Press

Ruth E. Heidrich, Ph.D.

Author, A Race for Life, The Race for Life Cookbook

www.RuthHeidrich.com

www.vegsource.com

Even if you have cancer, you will feel much better when you follow a healthy lifestyle. When you live a healthy lifestyle, you will dramatically reduce the amount of illness and disease you suffer from–and if you are already sick, you will improve your chances of recovery by following these seven tips.

1. Consume a nutritious diet. Most important to help control and prevent cancer is the amount of antioxidants in your diet. Try to consume nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and try to choose at least one from each color of the rainbow every day. Check out the Food Guide Pyramid for additional tips.

2. Drink lots of water. Strive to drink at least 64 oz. of fresh spring or distilled water each day, or 1/2 your weight in pounds in oz. of water per day, whichever is larger. For example, a 200 lb. person would want to drink 1/2 of 200, or 100, oz. of water per day.

3. Get sufficient rest. You should be able to wake up naturally without an alarm clock. It’s best to go to bed early and rise early (meaning, bedtime from 9pm-10pm and rising from 5am-6am).

4. Get plenty of exercise. Both strength training and cardiovascular exercise provide benefits. Try to do each at least three times per week. However, to protect your immune system, avoid exercising for much longer than one hour at a time, especially if your intensity level is high.

5. Avoid putting unnecessary chemicals into your body. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, additives and preservatives in processed foods, and artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Organic food may be a wise investment in your health. At the very least, shop the perimeter of the grocery store. The more natural the food is, the better. Try to eat things that are still the way they are found in nature: i.e. apples are better than bottled apple sauce, which is better than commercial apple juice. Try herbal remedies rather than drugs whenever possible.

6. Consider supplementing your diet with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. A general multivitamin is a good bet for most people if you are suffering from cancer (always check with your physician). Fish oils are also a great overall health supplement, and are especially good for the immune system which comes in handy if you have cancer.

7. Use a detoxification regimen from time to time. Many people use essiac tea for detoxification of the liver, kidneys, and colon. Herbal colon cleanse formulas are also a good choice for many people. Dandelion greens brewed and cooled into a juice is also a good overalll detoxification to take.

Cancer is one of the biggest killers around the world. In America alone, 25% of all deaths are related to cancer.

Many people think of cancer as a single problem but in fact, it is a number of problems spread throughout the body. Generally speaking, if cancer is caught in the early stages of development, it can be treated and cured.

Although there are several different types of cancer, the most common ones are Lung, Prostate, Breast, Testicular, Skin and Colon cancers.

Genes control the multiplication and growth of cells. If these genes are defective in the first place, then the cells will not be able to grow or divide properly. As a result of this abnormality, cancerous cells are born.

There are a number of factors which cause cancer. Factors which are controllable by humans are smoking, toxic elements and radiation. These can be controlled to some degree and therefore it would be wise to avoid them by changing lifestyle habits. However, there are certain elements which are outside our control. These include mutation and inherited DNA.

As a result of studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 180,000 people have died as a direct result of smoking. Another 200,000 people have died due to lack of changing lifestyle habits. Obesity, laziness and malnutrition can have an effect on the growth of cancer. Needless to say, cancer has risen by more than 50% since 1995.

Let’s take a look at some of these cancer causes in more detail.

Smoking: The most prevalent and easily avoidable type of cancer is the one caused by the use of tobacco. This includes the use of cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Even though smokers are addicted to nicotine, the fact that 200,000 people die every year due to smoking caused cancer should be enough motivation to quit. Some experts say that cessation of smoking can increase lifespan by up to 20 years.

Although nothing has been proven, studies indicate that stress may also be a contributing factor to cancer. Many cancer patients are also employed in stressful jobs. Some theologians believe that stress lowers the bodies immunity to cancer.

Exercise and Healthy Eating: Healthy eating and exercise is universally known to be beneficial in many aspects. But, many people don’t know that food full of nutrition can reduce the risk of cancer. Specific foods such as fruit and veg can help prevent cancer whilst fatty foods such as meat can increase the likelihood of cancer.

Skin cancer can easily be avoided by simply listening to good advice. Wear sunglasses, hats, sun cream and other sensible items of clothing to avoid the onset of this type of cancer. Although this may seem like common sense, more than one million people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year.

In summary, some cancers can be avoided. New research and studies are being conducted all the time. So, rather than concentrating on how to treat cancer patients, maybe we should all be looking for more ways to prevent the cancer in the first place.

Colorectal cancer is a disease due to the cancerous growth found in the large bowel, the end portion of the digestive tract which holds the undigested food that is waiting to be eliminated. The colon is about 5 to 6 feet long and 2.5 inches in diameter. The rectum is the last 6 to 8 inches of the colon which ends at the anus.

Cancer involving the upper part of the digestive tract or the small bowel (intestine) is rare. But cancer of the large bowel is very common. Colorectal cancer is said to be the fourth most common cancer worldwide. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of death from cancer in the US. According to the American Cancer Society’s publication — Cancer Facts & Figures 2006 — in 2006, approximately 148,610 new cases (72,800 men and 75,810 women) of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the US. And an estimated 37% or 55,170 people (27,870 men and 27,300 women) will die from it.

Colorectal cancer is predominantly a disease of people 50 years and older. Less than 6% of this cancer occurs in those below 50 years old. However, the incidence of colorectal cancer increases after age 50 and continues to increase until age 75.

Diet

Dietary factors are considered to be responsible for 80% to 90% of all cases of colorectal cancer.

1. Colorectal cancer is common in population with high intake of meat products and relatively low level of dietary fibre.

2. Diet high in animal fat is associated with increased rate of colorectal cancer.

3. Diet high in vegetable and cereal fibers decreased colorectal cancer rate. It is suggested that large quantities of vegetables and cereal fibers increase stool bulk, bacterial fermentation and hasten large bowel transit rate.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

This cancer is often called the silent killer. In most people the cancer does not show any obvious symptoms at its early stage. One early symptom, in some patients, is bleeding. The tumour may bleed on and off giving out a small amount of blood. Sometimes, such bleeding is hardly noticeable. It is when the disease has progressed and becomes advanced that symptoms develop, such as:

1. Changes in bowel habits. This can manifest in constipation, diarrhoea, bowel incontinence, and feeling of unfinished bowel movement.

2. Production of narrower stools than normal.

3. Presence of blood in stools. Take note, however, that not all bleeding is due to cancer. Other problems such as hemorrhoids (piles), ulcers, ulcerative colitis, etc. can also produce blood in stools.

4. Anemia. This is the shortage of red blood cells.

5. Abdominal discomforts. This may be manifested in feelings of discomforts, bloatedness, fullnes, cramps or pains in the abdomen.

6. Weight loss.

7. Fatigue or feeling of extreme tiredness.

8. Vomiting.

Staging of Colorectal Cancer

Stage 0 (or carcinoma in situ): Tumour is in innermost lining of colon wall.

Stage I (Dukes A): Tumour in innermost lining, second and third layers of colon wall.

Stage II (Dukes B): Tumour grows through colon wall.

Stage III (Dukes C): Tumour grows out and spreads to lymph nodes.

Stage IV (Dukes D): Tumour has spread to other parts of the body.

Recurrent Cancer: The cancer has come back after being treated.

Prognosis

The prognosis of the disease is poor if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This is considered as Stage 4. The five-year survival is only 5%. However, if the cancer is at its early stage, e.g., Stage 1 and 2, the five-year survival is 90% and 85% respectively. Therefore, the stage at diagnosis greatly impacts survival rates of colorectal cancer.

Asbestos is a toxic chemical substance that has been used directly or indirectly in hundreds of products across the globe. It is incorrect and inappropriate for human beings to have excessive exposure to asbestos. This might result in malignant mesothelioma — a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart — and other diseases.

It is amazing to find that, asbestos has still not been entirely banned in the United States, and Americans continue to risk exposure to this dangerous fiber.

If you feel that you have been exhibiting symptoms of mesothelioma (like shortness of breath, pain in the chest or back region, swelling in the abdomen, difficulty swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, and weight loss.), it is important for you to consult your doctor immediately. There are various methods that are available for treating the victims of mesothelioma.

They are either direct methods or alternative methods. Some of the direct methods are Surgery-both Aggressive and Pallative, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy etc. Immunoagumentive Therapy (IAT), Gene Therapy, Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy (IPT) etc. are some of the commonly practiced alternative methods.

Also one can take the help of Support Groups, which are available to help sufferers deal with the challenges that they are facing. A recent publication says that over 20% of Americans have participated in some type of self-help group. There are mainly two types of support groups that are available namely- online support groups and community centred support groups.

If you have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is important for you to have a positive frame of mind and keep yourself well informed about the latest medical developments that has taken place pertaining to this field. Also as a victim of the Asbestos industry you can have certain legal and social claims. The following propositions can be considered if you are a victim of Mesothelioma caused due to negligent asbestos exposure.

1. Legal Aid and Financial Compensation

People who contract the disease must be absolutely sure that the cause for the same was asbestos exposure and then take steps to get the right legal counsel. Once the legal counsel has been retained the law will ensure that he or she gets the compensation for employers negligence if any.

2. Claim from the Asbestos Industry

Mesothelioma victims have the option to claim large monetary compensation from the asbestos industry. These claims can go into the millions of dollars depending on the rights and cause of the claims. A Law firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases ensures that the families of victims gets ample compensation.

3. Claim Social Security Disability

Victims can claim social security disability after getting advice from an attorney that specializes in these cases.

4. Disability Insurance

You are legally entailed to claim disability insurance if you have disability insurance either privately procured, within your life insurance policy or through your employer.

5.Worker’s Compensation

It is one of the core responsibilities of an employer to take care of its employees. Thus, even while the victim takes legal action against the asbestos industry he or she can simultaneously claim workers compensation for being ‘disabled’ during work. A lawyer who has experience in the asbestos industry should handle this sort of claim.

6. Health Insurance

A victim of mesothelioma can incur huge medical bills due to the expensive nature of treatment that’s required for the treatment of this disease. If a victim is admitted to the hospital he or she should talk to the Discharge Planner or other personnel who can help with hospice and hospital coverage. Laws cover medial treatments and action can be taken health insurance company if they fail to provide proper coverage. Again it is imperative to ensure that the victim employs a proper legal representative.

Uterine fibroid tumors or leiomyomas are among the most common tumors among women. In fact, it is apparent in 25-50% of women, says American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Uterine fibroid tumors are typically non-cancerous; however, there is still the need to be aware of these tumors and some dangers it may bring to your health.

To give you better understanding of these tumors, here are answers to frequently asked questions on uterine fibroid tumors:

What are uterine fibroid tumors?

Uterine fibroid tumors, medically known as uterine leiomyomata or simply myoma, are growths consisting of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissues usually found within the wall of the uterus. Some grow below the lining of the uterus; some grow between the muscles of the uterus, while some grow towards the exterior part of the uterus. Uterine fibroid tumors may grow in clusters or as a single nodule and may vary in size.

What are the causes of uterine fibroid tumors?

Scientific researches have not yet finally identified the causes of uterine fibroid tumors. It has been theorized though that uterine fibroid tumors result from hormonal, genetic and environmental factors, which may be present in combinations in every case.

Are uterine fibroid tumors cancerous?

Though considered as tumors, uterine fibroid tumors are mostly benign, which means that in most instances, they are not as dangerous as cancerous tumors. Cases of uterine fibroid tumors turning into cancer is very rare, however, it is possible. Although having uterine fibroid tumors is generally not dangerous (it also has nothing to do with cancer of the uterus), it is uneasy to live with; hence, women opt to have their uterine fibroid tumors removed.

Who gets uterine fibroid tumors?

In most instances, uterine fibroid tumors develop in women of childbearing age, usually those in the 30s and 40s. However, researches show that women who have previously given birth are less likely to develop uterine fibroid tumors. In addition, it has been found out that overweight women and young African women are more prone to developing uterine fibroid tumors. The reasons for these are not yet known, however, these facts have been prevalently observed.

What are the symptoms indicating presence of uterine fibroid tumors?

In many instances, uterine fibroid tumors do not cause symptoms, but some women having these benign tumors say they experience pain and heavy bleeding during menstrual periods while some experience bleeding in between their menstrual period. She also urinates more often (due to the pressure of the fibroids to the bladder) and feels full in the lower part of the abdomen.

Some women also experience pain in the lower back and pain during intercourse. Other signs of uterine fibroid tumors include miscarriage, complications during pregnancy and infertility.

How are uterine fibroid tumors detected?

Uterine fibroid tumors are detected through pelvic examination. This lets your doctor check your vagina, ovaries and uterus. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), x-rays, and CT scan can also help the doctor detect presence of uterine fibroid tumors in your uterus.

Is treatment necessary?

Treatment of the uterine fibroid tumors is not necessary however since symptoms can be severe on some women, they prefer to have their fibroids treated. The main treatment for uterine fibroid tumors is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This is a modestly invasive procedure wherein a small tube is inserted into an artery towards the uterine artery. This allows the interventional radiologist to bring in small plastic beads into the artery supplying blood to the uterine fibroid tumors. In this way, blood flow to the uterine fibroid tumor is blocked causing it to shrink; hence, symptoms are relieved.

Stomach or abdominal symptoms are often experienced by patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is a cancer of the peritoneal cells that line the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are insidious and often tend to be confused for symptoms of more common, and often more benign, abdominal conditions. Peritoneal mesothelioma therefore may go undiagnosed until it is fairly advanced and resistant to treatment.

Common abdominal symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. An abdominal lump or swelling may be present. Such a lump or swelling may obstruct the bowel, causing constipation. Fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity, causing distension and bloating. This collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity is called ascites, and is also seen in people with liver disease. The fluid is often drained to relieve symptoms of bloating and distension; excessive fluid collection may hamper normal breathing. The collection of fluid in the abdomen, and the pressure of a cancerous growth, may impede the return of blood flow from the legs, leading to swollen feet. Such swelling of the extremities is also seen in kidney disease and pregnancy.

Some recent studies have shown a transient reduction in tumor mass and fluid collection following the introduction of certain substances into the abdominal cavity; however, these effects have been shown on a small number of patients and are being researched further.

Abdominal pain in peritoneal mesothelioma may be caused by the pressure on organs and nerves exerted by a growing tumor, by distension of the bowel, or by infiltration of adjacent tissues and organs by cancerous cells. Narcotic pain-relieving drugs or radiotherapy may be used to relieve severe pain. Abdominal symptoms and the systemic effects of cancer can cause severe weight loss in people with peritoneal mesothelioma. Fever and fatigue are also common.