Oklahoma Mesothelioma

Oklahoma used to be a leading producer and processor of oil for many years. However, its rich oil industry has unfortunately left a trail of mesothelioma cancers and other related diseases. Many Oklahoma oil refinery workers have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and pleural plaques.
Asbestos is an excellent natural flame retardant and so, with the ever-present danger of fire and explosions around the oil drilling and refinery industries, this led to wide use of asbestos insulation on such things as pipes, boilers, tanks, heat exchangers, furnaces, pumps, driers etc.
Asbestos products are not harmful in their usual undisturbed state. However, with time and use, asbestos-containing materials can erode to the point where asbestos fibers get released into the air. This puts employees in extreme danger as these fibers can be inhaled and embedded into the membranes that line the lungs. Over time, this can result in diseases such as mesothelioma.
An unfortunate characteristic of mesothelioma is that symptoms do not usually manifest until 20 to 30 years after initial exposure. This means that exposure many years back when asbestos was still freely used is only now starting to take effect.
Today, the risk in Oklahoma for asbestos exposure also exists in power stations, paper mills, various job sites and manufacturing plants, and even with old school buildings (asbestos residue in the University of Oklahoma was reported in 2004.)
Oklahoma mesothelioma fatalities from the 1980's until 2000 number about 300, with most of the victims based in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Oklahoma ranks the 31st in terms of mesothelioma cases.
There has been a number of high profile Oklahoma mesothelioma lawsuits filed in the past decade. As a consequence, the state of Oklahoma has put up regulations to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure. Although the state mainly favors victims, the monetary settlements in Oklahoma are believed to be lower than that of many other states. For this reason, many legal experts suggest victims of mesothelioma should consider filing lawsuits outside of the state.
If you have been diagnosed with the disease and wish to file an Oklahoma mesothelioma lawsuit, it is important that you first consult with a reputable lawyer highly experienced in asbestos related cases. Your lawyer should be able to provide you with more details about the litigation process and the right course of action to take in your particular case.
To learn much more about Mesothelioma Cancer including the various Mesothelioma Treatment Options, visit http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-facts.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_M_McRae

Mesothelioma Stages - The Butchart System

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is most often associated with exposure to asbestos. A diagnosis of Mesothelioma necessarily engenders a question of the possible treatments and outcome for the patient. The Butchart system is one way to gauge the stages of Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is like many cancers in that the variety of treatment options available changes with the progress of the disease. Catch it early and there are plenty of options to choose from. Catch it in the later stages and the prospects are not so positive. To understand the situation you or a friend who has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma are in, you need to understand the stages of the disease.
The Butchart System is the oldest staging system used for Mesothelioma. Oddly, there are others as well, but we will focus on the Butchart version in this article. The system is comprised of four stages and focuses on the primary tumor as a starting point. Let's take a closer look.
Stage One
In stage one, the Mesothelioma has manifested in the pleura or lining of the chest. It is usually present in one side or the other. It may have also manifested in the diaphragm area as well.
Stage Two
The Mesothelioma has advanced significantly at this stage. It is now in the lining of both sides of the chest cavity. It may also be in the esophagus and lining of the heart. Lymph nodes in the chest are almost certainly impacted and may be creating a method of movement for the cancer.
Stage Three
The cancer continues to spread. It is now clearly into the esophagus and heart lining. It is also spreading throughout the Mesothelium of the abdomen. Lymph nodes beyond the immediate chest area are also showing cancer cells.
Stage Four
The Mesothelium has metastasized fully. It is moving through the blood stream to other parts of the body. Multiple internal organs are now showing cancer cells. The situation is very dire.
So, what treatment options apply to each of these stages? There really isn't a pat answer. The problem is the treatment usually is very aggressive. It can involve any combination of surgery, radiation and chemo therapy. The exact mix will depend on your overall health and the opinion of your physicians.
Thomas Ajava writes for TXAsbestosLawsuits.com - where you can learn more about the asbestos lawsuits being filed in Texas related to the oil and shipping industries among others.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Ajava

What Does Pleural Mesothelioma Mean?

A protective sheath termed as the pleura covers the chest cavity and the lungs. When mesothelioma occurs in this sheath, then the condition is known to be pleural mesothelioma. Of all the different types of mesothelioma present in the current times, this mesothelioma is known to be the most widespread one. It is commonly found in workers who are dealing with asbestos and related minerals. Asbestos cancer mesothelioma -- the pleural mesothelioma is known to be a division of this core niche. In this brief article, we will try to analyze this condition.
Pleural mesothelioma is commonly known to be confused with lung cancer. It is a cancer occurring on the protective layer of the lungs. The cause of pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are different. Advanced stages of pleural mesothelioma might lead to growth of cancerous cells in the lungs. At those stages, the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are known to be the same. Unilateral -- this is the mode of infection of the cancer. In other words, only a side of the chest will be infected and this is the main symptom that the patient is suffering from pleural mesothelioma.
If you used to work with asbestos, even for a short duration during those yesteryear, it is better to get yourself checked for the condition. Nodules appear in the region and with the passage of time these nodules strengthen themselves. Gradually, the entire side of the chest will be affected and the infection will start spreading to the nearby organs. The situation is a delicate one and if proper medication procedures are not subjected to the patient, then he might finally succumb to the condition. People realize that they are suffering from pleural mesothelioma only during the latter stages. By then they would be far from the point of recovery.
The effusion of the pleura -- this is the first symptom that is commonly noticed. This might be accompanied with intense pain while indulging in day-to-day activities. Pain will be felt even when the person is normally breathing. This is because the original function of the pleura is to help in the lubricating of the chest cavity and the enclosed lungs. Damage to the pleura is reflected as acute pains during breathing and heaving. As with all other forms of cancer symptoms, fatigue will be profound.
The effusion of the pleura will be displayed prominently during the scans. In certain cases, the doctors might recommend analyzing the fluid present in the pleura for malignant cells. VATS or video assisted thoracoscopy is the best means to diagnose the condition. The pleural mesothelioma is known to affect the chest cavity and the lungs in predefined stages. Trimodal therapy is the best treatment option that is present in the current times. With the help of this method surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be subjected to the patient. Survival chances are slim, but there is room for miracles in this niche.
To find out more on Mesothelioma or Pleural Mesothelioma, simply click on the links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yachi_Verma

Simple Yet Effective Mesothelioma Treatment Potentially Discovered

Mesothelioma treatment continues to improve on an almost daily basis. There are thousands of researchers across the globe on the cutting edge of cancer research and a good portion of this is applicable to conditions like malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Currently, there is no universally successful treatment option for mesothelioma, but researchers have had some recent success.
In a new study published in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, researchers have discovered a potentially beneficial response to deadly mesothelioma cancer cells. The study is concerned with sodium selenite, the most common water-soluble form of selenium.
Selenium was discovered in 1817 by Jons Jakob Berzelius, as a byproduct of sulfuric acid production. First noticed due to the toxic nature of the element to humans working in industry, it was later found to beneficial as an essential nutritional factor in humans. In 1996, continuing research showed a positive correlation between selenium supplementation and cancer prevention in humans. Selenium in small amounts, such as through a multivitamin supplement, are generally regarded as safe and even beneficial to human nutrition. In large quantities, however, it is toxic to mamamalian bodies, though it is rare that any healthy adult receives more than their daily allotment of selenium.
Selelenium has been shown in several studies to prevent chemically induced carcinogens in rodent studies, though there have been confliciting studies in humans debating the efficacy of selenium supplements. Under the most recent study, sodium selenite has been shown as an antioxidant that can kill mesothelioma cells in cell cultures. Additionally, sodium selenite seems to avoid noticeably damaging healthy cells in the body; this is an enourmous step forward in the treatment, as most traditional cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, often damage health tissue and cells in the patient's body.
The ramifications of this study are profound; if there is a simple and effective way to address the chronic and deadly condition of mesothelioma cancer and asbestos exposure, it could save the lives of millions of people all over the world. According to reports, the chemical selenite triggered cell death in 15% of sarcomatoid (cancer) cells, compared to just 8% of epithelioid mesothelioma cells. Total cell death after 24 hours of treatment was about 25% in the epithelioid cells and 30% in the sarcomatoid cells. Granted, these results took place in a laboratory setting and actual treatment may be years away. Regardless, this breakthrough provides at least a small amount of hope to those experiencing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a serious and debilitating cancer, oftentimes coming with a grim prognosis. Patients diagnosed with asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure often find it in their best interest to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Generally speaking, asbestos exposure results from working in an industry which has either utilized asbestos in manufacturing or production, or has been involved in handling materials containing asbestos, either directly or indirectly. Oftentimes, an experienced mesothelioma attorney can assist the patient with receiving some sort of monetary compensation against the source of their exposure.
LegalView.com provides a wealth of resources for individuals seeking legal help. Information regarding mesothelioma is available at LegalView.com's mesothelioma information portal which provides an expansive selection of articles as well as a contact form for an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Kelley

Care Giving for Mesothelioma Sufferers

If you are a caregiver for someone with mesothelioma, you already know, or are learning quickly, how drastically your routines must change. Fortunately, there are seemingly endless sources of support for you as the caregiver, as well as for your loved one with this diagnosis.

Start with an Internet search to learn about mesothelioma (the disease, causes, treatments, care giving, support, options-everything you can find) and print out as much as you can. You won't be able to remember it all. Make a file and organize it into categories so that you can easily find what you need when you need to know it. Then devise a plan to investigate each aspect of your care giving in an orderly manner. If you jump around from topic to topic, you'll surely get confused, forget things and become overwhelmed. Make notes and file them with your topics.

Also, be aware that there are many sites that offer unreliable or biased information, so consider your sources carefully. One place to start might be the American Cancer Society where you can learn many facts about malignant mesothelioma and what you and your loved one will be dealing with. This will help you in giving support and caring for emotional and physical needs. As you meet with the medical team members, they can help you devise a care plan that includes caring for your own needs, as well.

You will need to find out what resources are available to you in your area, and which are covered by insurance, which by volunteers, which by support groups or local services. Meal delivery services for seniors and the disabled is one such service that could relieve you of meal preparation at least once a day. Remember that you will not only be taking care of both of your needs, but may have to carry out many requests to make your patient more comfortable. Requests such as bringing something to drink or snack on, something to read or do, change a TV channel and other small adjustments might begin to overwhelm you. Let your patient do as much for himself as possible.

Some of the things you'll have to learn that are specific to your role as caregiver include:

* How to coordinate your care plan with your patient's medical team's plans. Decide who will take the patient to his or her appointments. List all questions ahead of time and make sure you are satisfied with the answers. Report all symptoms

* The specific type and location of mesothelioma your patient has and how it will affect him or her. This includes stages and treatments associated with different stages, and other options, such as clinical trials, and how each of these will affect both of you physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and financially.

* Nutrition for mesothelioma patients. Your team will probably include a nutritionist who can advise you both of dietary needs at different stages of treatment, and ways to streamline meal preparation and shopping to reduce your work.

* Medications and supplements

* How to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, hygiene, dressing, mobilizing, changing a bed with someone in it, and especially assisting someone who is weak or in pain.

* Emotional support and understanding the emotions a patient and caregivers will experience. These can include frustration, anger, depression, hopelessness, euphoria, annoyance, exasperation, denial and many more that you are not accustomed to dealing with at this new level. Learn how to listen, don't contradict or judge, and never disagree with your patient's description of his or her emotions. Emotions are neither right nor wrong-they just are, and if your patient is feeling any particular emotion, that is the fact, though you might wish it were not. If your loved one is not ready to talk, wait until they are. They are losing control of almost everything in their life. Allow them to control what they need to express.

* Caring for your patient after treatment, which could be surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, fluid drainage, or other less imposing treatments. Each type of treatment will require specific types of care.

* Caring for yourself is as important to your patient as it is to you, so include yourself in the care plan. If you burn out or injure yourself, your loved one has lost his or her primary caretaker. Know your limitations and seek help where you might otherwise push yourself.

Rest will be one of your greatest needs. Are respite services available in your area? These services provide people to cover for you for a day or two while you physically leave and take respite somewhere else.

Maintain your routines, hobbies, interests, social life, outside activities as much as possible.

Your loved one is not the only one suffering emotional pain. You will be, as well. Caring for another person 24 hours a day, seven days a week would wear anyone out. If you have someone who can relieve you one or two days a week, take advantage of the opportunity to refresh yourself.

Ignore those who are critical of your caretaking unless you and your patient agree that a change would be an improvement. If the two of you are satisfied, and your caretaking is going well, realize that there is just so much you can do. If others insist that more can be done, and you and the patient are open to this, suggest that they provide the missing care as you would welcome all the help you can get.

* Delegation and available support. List individuals and groups. What can they best offer in the way of help or assistance? Can you rely on them for regular help? Do you have alternate sources of help? Get them to commit to a schedule and to specific ways of helping so that you can plan and organize. If you have family, friends, or volunteer organizations, or if your patient qualifies for in-home care services, you can delegate many of your tasks. These can be anything from running errands, to light housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing and other assistance with personal hygiene (for the patient, not you.) You might delegate bill paying, shopping, laundry, or any number of duties that would free up your time and energy for caretaking.

* Are everyone's affairs in order, including yours? Advance directives. Wills. Bills. Taxes. Licenses. Important papers. Important contact information. Does a trusted person know where these papers are?

* What if something happens to you? Do you have a backup plan to care for your patient? Does a reliable person know of your plan, and are they ready to carry it out, if necessary?

* Legal matters. You will want to seek counsel from an attorney with experience in mesothelioma cases. If you are eligible for compensation, you will have to file for this within time limits set by statutes of limitations. If you are entitled to compensation, this will provide financial assistance for medical bills, caregivers and other expenses, as well as other losses, such as income and more.

About the Author

For more information please visit the website of Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, lawyers experienced in mesothelioma cases serving clients in the Maryland area.