Minnesota Asbestos Cancer and Mesothelioma

Minnesota Mesothelioma Medical Resources: The diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos cancersand conditions is complicated. However, as of the present time, there is no medical degree that is specific to asbestos-related practice. Most doctors focusing on asbestos disease today are trained in oncology, thoracic surgery, respiratory or occupational medicine, or some related field.

It’s important for patients suffering from asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other diseases and conditions caused by asbestos exposure to be treated by doctors with the proper level of expertise. An established Minnesota doctor who specializes in mesothelioma treatment is Dr. Robert A. Kratzke, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School.

Those interested in filing a Minnesota mesothelioma lawsuit, or a lawsuit for any asbestos cancer or asbestos-related injury, are advised to contact a Minnesota mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Minnesota Asbestos Cancer and Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

Today, between 25%- 30% of all Americans will get some form of cancer during their lifetimes. There are many reasons for this, including the modern lifestyle and the poisons that have been put into the environment – of which asbestos is a prime example.

The numbers of clinics and hospitals that specialize in oncology have increased in response to the growing number of patients. Cancer treatment centers located in Minnesota include: Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester; University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Thoracic Oncology Clinical Program, Minneapolis.

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Mesothelioma Victims Center's 2011 Initiative Focuses On Providing An Unparalleled Free Service For US Navy Veterans Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Victims Center, and its unequaled free services were created after a close family member, who served in the United States Navy, was diagnosed with mesothelioma. This diagnosis occured nearly 40 years after his exposure to asbestos, on board a US Naval Vessel. The group says, "The saddest thing about mesothelioma is it does not rear its ugly head immediately after exposure to asbestos. Tragically, this incredibly rare form of cancer may take decades to show up, and every victim we talk to is stunned, a mesothelioma diagnosis happened to them." The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "While US Navy Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma are our priority, there is nothing we would not do for a victim, or their loved ones, when it comes to this rare form of cancer." For more information just diagnosed victims of mesothelioma can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or they can contact the group via its web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

(Vocus/PRWEB) February 14, 2011

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "About 250 US citizens are diagnosed with mesothelioma each month. Of this group, one third served in the US Navy, another third worked in oil refineries, power plants, in shipyards, mines, as plumbers, pipe fitters, boiler technicians, city, or county municipal water workers, or auto repair technicians." The group says, "There is no other group in the US as passionate about helping victims, and their loved ones, and if you call us, we will make certain you get nothing but the best, which includes the names, and direct contact information for the best mesothelioma trial law firms, or attorneys in the US, not some middleman marketing law firm advertising for individuals, or their family members dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis." For more information please call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via its web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

The Mesothelioma Victims Center free service includes assistance if the mesothelioma victim, needs help with VA, or Social Security disability, a customized report detailing all the healthcare treatment options in the area of the mesothelioma victim, family counseling, and assistance, as well as the names of the best actual mesothelioma trial law firms, or trial attorneys in the US, not a mesothelioma personal injury marketing law firm advertising on cable TV. The group says, "We literally want to be the first call a just diagnosed mesothelioma victim, or their loved ones make, so we can try to provide them with free world class help, advice, and support. Just as importantly we want to make certain they get pointed in the right direction." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.com

The Mesothelioma Victims Center is the premier mesothelioma advocate, and watchdog in the United States, for victims of mesothelioma. They say, "The Internet, talk radio, and cable TV are loaded with advertisements, about compensation, and or treatments for mesothelioma, ads talking about mesothelioma class actions, and or lawsuits, related to this rare form of cancer. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the attorneys, or law firms advertising for help, compensation, or heath care options for victims dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis are middlemen marketing law firms, or personal injury marketing law firms-not the actual trial law firms, that will prosecute these cases." The group says, "We want to make certain all mesothelioma victims get to the actual trial law firms, or attorneys, that have the best record in achieving significant results for their clients dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis-not a middleman marketing personal injury law firm, and we will give you their names, and contact numbers. You just decide who you like the best-no other group in the world does this." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/02/14/prweb8134239.DTL#ixzz1EHsXWpdU

Can Excellent Physical Fitness Extend Life After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

Steve Lee, the inspirational long distance runner from Britain who raised £40,000 ($64,000) for lung cancer research has died from mesothelioma cancer.

Lee was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007, but he never stopped running. In 2009, the then 65-year-old Lee ran the Reading UK half marathon with his wife Ros.

Lee credited his excellent physical fitness with helping to prolong his life an amazing 3+ years after his mesothelioma diagnosis. Most patients pass away one year after their mesothelioma diagnosis.

Part of Lee's incredible drive to raise money came from the promise of the mesothelioma research.

That money has helped to fund research at Queen Mary, University of London, where researchers are synthesizing a naturally-occurring compound that is thought to kill mesothelioma cells. The university has matched the monetary contribution by Steve and his running club, and is continuing to build on work completed by Japanese scientists. The ultimate goal of the research is to determine if this compound can be used to treat victims of the deadly disease.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Because mesothelioma's symptoms are not unique to it and the disease's relative rarity, cases of mesothelioma misdiagnosed are not uncommon. A review of the patient's medical history is an important part in assessing the risk of mesothelioma.

As a first step in diagnosing the disease, the doctor may order an x-ray of the chest or abdomen or a CT (or CAT) scan or MRI may be performed. Although mesothelioma typically cannot be seen on an x-ray, the tumor often causes a pleural effusion, or fluid collection between the lung and chest wall. This abnormal finding is associated with shortness of breath and warrants clinical follow up. Lung function tests may also be completed.

The doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test, called thoracoscopy, is usually done in the hospital. Before the test, the patient will be given a local anesthetic (a drug that causes a loss of feeling for a short period of time). Some pressure may be felt, but usually there is no pain.

The doctor may also look inside the abdomen (peritoneoscopy) with a special tool called aperitoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is also usually done in the hospital. Before the test is done, a local anesthetic will be given.

If tissue that is not normal is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it reviewed under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. This is called a biopsy. Biopsies are usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is very difficult, and cases of mesothelioma misdiagnosed are unfortunately not uncommon. It is important to share your case history of work experience (especially in shipyards and at construction sites) and asbestos exposure potential with your physicians if you feel mesothelioma is a risk. Asbestos fibres can also be carried into the home on clothing, inadvertently exposing the deadly fibres, and the risk of mesothelioma, to family members.

A mesothelioma diagnosis is serious, but treatments are available. The chance of recovery (prognosis) depends on the size of the cancer, where the cancer is, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer cells look under the microscope, how the cancer responds to treatment, and the patient's age. As with most types of cancer, early diagnosis is an excellent first step in fighting the disease.

Mesothelioma Latency Period Effects Early Diagnosis, Treatment Options and Prognosis

A number of studies have been conducted on the specific latency period in people exposed to asbestos in order to better understand the length of time it takes to develop mesothelioma. Due to the disease's long latency period, many people exposed to asbestos do not begin to show symptoms of mesothelioma until 20 and 50 years after initial exposure.

Evidence from some studies has shown that high exposure for short periods of time might be more damaging than low exposure for a longer duration. For example, some first responders during the World Trade Center attacks in 2001 who were exposed to an extreme amount of asbestos began showing symptoms of mesothelioma as early as two years later.

Shipbuilders and constructions workers during the 20th century were also widely exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. Due to their constant long-term exposure to asbestos, groups like these are more likely to develop asbestosis than workers in other industries where the asbestos levels may have not been as high.

Early mesothelioma diagnosis is the key to the most effective treatment. Recently in 2007, the FDA approved a new mesothelioma blood test known as Mesomark. While a simple test, Mesomark can help detect mesothelioma in the early stages of development by detecting one of the cancer's biomarkers. Despite the test, those exposed asbestos should seek yearly chest X-rays to detect the earliest sign of mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Asbestosis studies have shown that more than 90 percent of individuals who were exposed to asbestos for upwards of 40 years will develop mesothelioma. However, the shorter the time period you were exposed to asbestos, the less likely the chance. For those who were exposed to asbestos for 20 to 30 years, the rate falls to 75 percent. Lastly, of those who experienced asbestos exposure for 10 to 19 years, about 10 to 15 percent are likely contract the disease.

Additional information about mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatment may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

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This entry was posted on Friday, January 21st, 2011 at 5:44 pm and is filed under Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.

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Mesothelioma diagnosis prompts advocating for others

About three thousand Americans suffer from mesothelioma each year. A rare cancer, mesothelioma is characterized by a long latency period and a short life expectancy. It can take decades for mesothelioma to demonstrate symptoms in patients, but following diagnosis average patient life expectancy is eighteen months.

There are mesothelioma treatments available, which directly fight the cancer. These include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Many patients are also turning to palliative care to manage the pain and quality of life for the time they have left.

Following a diagnosis of mesothelioma at age 54, one man is facing the realities of his case with unexpected selflessness. Richard Mosca decided that his time would be spent advocating for others suffering from mesothelioma and similar illnesses. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation nominated Mosca to evaluate potential research projects.

Now, Mosca works with other patients, survivors and family members of those affected by military related illnesses and injuries on the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). The PRMRP is made possible through Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs of the Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD's vision to "find and fund the best research to eradicate diseases and support the warfighter for the benefit of the American public," is in accord with Mosca's personal goals for his time as a reviewer.

Mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses caused by asbestos have been associated with military service for years. Asbestos was heavily used from the 1940s to 1970s in ship building, munitions manufacturing and as a fire deterrent in military facilities. It is closely tied to naval ships in engine and boiler room components such as valves, pumps and gaskets. About one third of mesothelioma cases are found in naval servicemen and women.

Asbestos is considered non-threatening when contained inside other materials. Dangerous if inhaled, asbestos fibers become a health risk if airborne. The Environmental Protection Agency began regulating the use and removal processes of asbestos in the 1980s, defined in the Clean Air Act. Mesothelioma has such a long latency period though, that many believe the peak of mesothelioma cases has yet to be seen.

The PRMRP is committed to benefiting health and quality of life for military personnel, veterans and their family members. Regarding his experience as a reviewer for the program, Mosca said, "many brilliant people out there wanting to help the mesothelioma community – compassionate and understanding medical professionals dedicated to treating and curing mesothelioma."

Mesothelioma Diagnosis-The Mesothelioma Victims Center Steps up Its Service for Oil Refinery and Power Plant Workers

The Mesothelioma Victims Center's mission is to be the best free resource for a just diagnosed victim of mesothelioma, or their loved ones in the United States. After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, the Mesothelioma Victims Center has no equal when it comes to free advice, help, and support for a mesothelioma victim, or their loved ones. The group says, "while one third of all US mesothelioma diagnosed victims served in the US Navy, a large group a mesothelioma diagnosis's come from individuals who worked in oil fields, oil refineries, and or power plants, and we stand ready to help these individuals, and their families with our unparalleled free service." Included in the Mesothelioma Victims Center free advocacy service for just diagnosed victims of mesothelioma, are the names, and specific contact information for the absolute best mesothelioma trial law firms in the US. Not the mesothelioma hucksters offering middleman mesothelioma services on cable TV, the Internet, or talk radio. For more information a just diagnosed mesothelioma victim, or their loved ones can contact the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or they can contact the group via its web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

(Vocus/PRWEB) December 13, 2010

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "the absolute worst thing about a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma is typically it comes decades after exposure to asbestos. Out of the blue-totally unexpected. Aside from victims who served in the US Navy, we are particularly worried about individuals who worked in oil fields, oil refineries, and or power plants." They say, "not only are we worried about oil refinery, or oil field workers who worked in Texas, Louisiana, Alaska, California, or Alaska, we are also very worried about US citizens, who worked in Saudi Arabia, Iran, or and other Persian Gulf petroleum, or crude oil facilities." The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "we are also super worried about any just diagnosed mesothelioma victim who worked in any kind of US power plant. Every US State has power plants, and up until a few years ago most were loaded with asbestos." Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Just diagnosed victims of mesothelioma are encouraged to contact the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via its web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "we intend to be the dominate US advocate for just diagnosed victims of mesothelioma. Unlike most of the hucksters advertising for mesothelioma victims on cable TV, talk radio, or the Internet, we offer the names of the absolute best mesothelioma trial law firms in the United States, not just one law firm." They say, "beyond offering the names, and specific contact information of the most successful US mesothelioma trial law firms, or attorneys, we offer a host of free services that are unmatched by any group in the United States. Our motto is nothing but the best, for a just diagnosed victim of mesothelioma, and we mean it." For more information about the wide range of free world class services offered by the Mesothelioma Victims Center just diagnosed victims, or their loved ones can call the group anytime at 866-714-6466, or they can contact the group via its web site at

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/12/13/prweb8024350.DTL#ixzz19rHVfWOU