Scientists Unveil Research Study Pointing Toward Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment

When nonseroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, are combined with Piroxicam and cisplatin (CDDP) they produce an anti-tumoral treatment of cancerous cells, specifically malignant mesothelioma cancer cells. These results, published in May 2008 in the Journal of Translational Medicine, are getting plenty of attention by both scientists as well as victims of mesothelioma cancer. Prior to this study, the prognosis for malignant mesothelioma cancer was grim, even at best, but now, researchers are breaking open a can of worms that may provide treatment for the deadly cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust.

While this study offers a slice of hope for victims, the further research is required. Scientists with this study also found that the potential for determining a specific molecular target of mesothelioma cells, because of these drugs' anti-tumor effects, could lead to advances in therapy treatments of the deadly cancer.

What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer?

There are several varieties of mesothelioma cancer, however, malignant mesothelioma is considered one of the most lethal. According to the study, "prognosis is poor and patients have a median survival of a few months in either treated or untreated cases." Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer with malignant cancer cells forming on the sac lining of the chest or abdomen, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is often associated with exposure to airborne asbestos particles and fibers, which increases the risk of malignant mesothelioma developing in an individual.

Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is often marked by several symptoms including lumps in abdomen, weight loss, pain or swelling in the abdomen, pain under the rib cage and difficulties breathing. The cancer can also often cause fluid retention in the abdomen or around the lungs. The cancer often has symptoms similar to other conditions making misdiagnosis of the condition common.

Medical professionals have even admitted that malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are very similar and differentiating between the two is difficult, however, there is an array of tests that physicians can use to increase the potential for a more accurate diagnosis. Tests for diagnosis may include the patient enduring physical exams, chest x-rays, biopsy of body tissues, getting a complete blood count (CBC), cytologic exam, which is an exam of cells under a microscope, or a bronchoscopy procedure where a bronchoscope is inserted into the nose or mouth for a better view of airways.

Diagnosing and Treating Malignant Mesothelioma

While treatments for mesothelioma are rare in and of themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat malignant mesothelioma because of the severity of the condition. However, medical professionals take into consideration several factors prior to treatment to determine a patient's prognosis. The following is a detailed list of these factors, according to the NCI:

• The stage of cancer, which includes stage I or localized malignant mesothelioma or advanced malignant mesothelioma that includes stage II, stage III and stage IV.
• The size of a tumor.
• Potential for tumor removal through a surgical procedure.
• The amount of fluid gathered in the chest or abdomen.
• A victim's age, physical health and previous health issues.
• Type of mesothelioma cancer.
• Whether a cancer is diagnosed as reoccurring or not.

Often, cancer may spread through the lymph system, blood stream or other bodily tissues.

Treatments for malignant mesothelioma can range from surgery to therapy, including chemotherapy and biological therapy to clinical trials, although the outcome is based on the progression of the cancer and most often, individuals are not aware of their condition until it reaches an advanced and, usually, an untreatable stage.

Asbestos Exposure and What to Do

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used heavily in a range of building materials from vinyl flooring to insulation. It was prized for its inexpensive production costs and fire-retardant ability making it ideal among construction companies. Unfortunately, the inhalation of high levels of asbestos dust and fibers contributed to the development of mesothelioma cancer.

Unfortunately, this discovery came far too late, as millions of Americans working in the industry were exposed and millions more continue to remain at risk for exposure as asbestos still exists in homes, schools, apartment complexes and dozens of other types of buildings across the country. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos particles and fibers should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If mesothelioma is the outcome it is advisable for a patient to receive consultation from an experienced mesothelioma attorney, as the potential for a mesothelioma lawsuit may exist with the opportunity for monetary compensation.

Alan Haburchak

For more information on mesothelioma treatments, visit http://mesothelioma.legalview.com/. Here, users can find the latest jury verdicts and news. Also use the LegalView homepage at http://www.LegalView.com/ and learn about legal issues ranging from the Digitek Digoxin side effects to Levaquin risks.

Seeking Support from a Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you are reading this article, you probably are concerned about yourself, a loved one, or a friend who has been diagnosed (or died) with some form of mesothelioma. Many people who have just been diagnosed with an asbestos related mesothelioma cancer are in shock and have many different things to think about.

Some of the issues and concerns on your mind may include the prognosis for your recovery, the different types of treatments that are available to you, how your symptoms will progress, how sick will you become with the disease, and, maybe most on your mind is, how you and your family will be able to live if you are unable to work and earn a living let alone how you will be able to pay the medical bills.

One of the first things to take under consideration is how to determine what type of lawyer is the most capable in dealing with issues of mesothelioma. Picking the right attorney is the key to your success in this undertaking.

There was an article in the Wall Street Journal several years ago saying that the average settlement or award on a mesothelioma lawsuit is around $1,000,000. It is the general practice that the mesothelioma lawyer receives 40% of the settlement or award amount for their work. The article went on to say that many of the lawsuits settle out of court but if a case does go to court, the typical settlement in 2001 was $6,000,000.

Given these figures, it is not surprising that mesothelioma attorneys work diligently to recruit mesothelioma patients or families, so it is critical for you to be sure you take your time in your selection of a lawyer to represent your case and to only select one that feels right to you.

There are many mesothelioma attorneys to choose from so you do not have to select the first one in the phone book or that first one that comes up on a google internet search for mesothelioma lawyers.

You may be wondering why you have legal rights associated with the disease of mesothelioma when other forms of cancer do not have these protections. This is an excellent question and the answer is, f you have mesothelioma you may have fallen prey to the greed that overtook corporations who used asbestos products in their line of work.

Corporations knew 60 years ago about the risks associated with asbestos but many of them did nothing to inform their employees of the risk nor did they begin using alternative products. There have been cases of people acquiring mesothelioma from inhaling the fibers brought in on the clothes of a family member. Laws have been put into place to protect those who have been harmed and/or died from asbestos exposure.

If you feel you have been a victim of asbestos exposure, here are a few questions to think about as you decide which mesothelioma attorney or law firm to use.

Experience Questions

• When you meet with a mesothelioma attorney, inquire about what personal experience he has had in defending patients with mesotheluoma. You want the attorney to tell you exactly how many clients he has handled personally and how many his firm has handled.
• Ask how many cases were settled out of court and how many went to trial. Be sure to include a question about the outcome of each case

Case Management Questions

• Find out if the law firm, or attorney, handles the mesothelioma cases themselves or whether he refers clients to other law firms and receives a percentage of the final settlement fee in exchange for this referral.

What Happens During the Lawsuit Process and Attorney Fees?

• It is important that you ask the attorney what the lawsuit process will look like, how long it will take, and how the attorney expects to be paid. Typically this process takes many months and sometimes even years.
• It is common that attorneys front the initial costs for the clients and make up their compensation when the settlement or trial if completed. It may happen in some cases, where a settlement or award is made, that the attorney earns no money for his time and effort.

A great deal is at stake if you actually do qualify for legal compensation so be sure to interview several attorneys and make a selection on their answers to your questions and on how you feel about them as your advocate.

Tim Dillard