Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of lung cancer that results from inhaling asbestos dust into your lungs. Asbestos is mineral with remarkable heat-resistant qualities that occurs naturally in the environment.

Mesothelioma ia a terminal disease and unfortunately there is no known cure. However, there are treatments available that con substantially improve a patients' symptoms and increase life expectancy.

The term asbestos comes from the Greek word for “inextinguishable” or “indestructible.” Asbestos is a fibrous mineral with thermal and chemical resistance, flexibility, and high tensile strength properties. Although its use has been reduced since the 1970's, asbestos is still present in many common household items, old buildings and in some job occupations.

The first use of asbestos dates back to 2500 B.C., when it was used as a wick material for oil lamps and also in pottery making. Asbestos was also used in cloths for retaining the ashes of the dead during cremation.

Mats were also made from asbestos by both the Chinese and Egyptians. Combining asbestos with clay and other materials was also one of its earlier applications. For additional information on asbestos in the state of Texas, please visite the Texas Department of Health Services: Asbestos Program.

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Traditional treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined using experimental treatments.

After a Mesothelioma diagnosis, patients and their families should consult with their primary care physician to find out what treatments are available in order to decide what the best course of treatment is.

Clinical trials are currently being conducted nationawide. In the state of Texas, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has a clinical trial for Cisplatin, Pemetrexed and Bevacizumab for Untreated Malignant Mesothelioma that is currently recruiting patients. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
http://www.mdanderson.org
1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030
1-800-392-1611 (USA) / 1-713-792-6161 (7)

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390
Telephone 214-648-3111

W. Roy Smythe, MD
Professor and Chairman/Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University System Health Sciences Center, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, TX
Phone: 254-724-2595

According to a Federal study from 1979 through 2001, at Least 2,651 People Have Been Killed by Asbestos in Texas Since 1979.

At least 681,087 tons of vermiculite asbestos went from Libby, MT to 24 locations in Texas between 1948 and 1993.

The Texas Vermiculite Company in Dallas, TX is one of many former asbestos manufacturers that have received about 80 of the asbestos mined at the W. R. Grace vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana from 1964 through 1990, according to a list compiled by federal health officials.

Symptoms of Mesotheliom arise 2 to 3 months before the cancer is found and can resemble shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, pneumonia, chest and abdominal pain.

Asbestos cases will continue to increase and it is estimated to peak around the year 2025, according to experts.

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 3,000 new cases per year of malignant mesothelioma are being reported in the United States, and the incidence appears to be increasing.

It is generally not widely known by veterans, but asbestos exposure has a tremendous effect on their health, particularly those with service from the post WWII era through the mid 70’s.

Increasingly, as these men get further away from their years of active service, veterans are being diagnosed with asbestos related lung cancer or mesothelioma. They are most often stricken with this disease as a result of their exposure to asbestos while they were in the service. It is well documented in the medical literature that in the United States, the cause of mesothelioma is recognized to be exposure to asbestos.

For individuals stricken with mesothelioma, there may be substantial compensation available if they act quickly to engage an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who is proficient in asbestos litigation.

Most often mesothelioma lawsuits end up with a settlement without ever going to trial or even into a court. Since the only known cause of mesothelioma in the United States is asbestos, the key to successful case is proving exposure to the product(s) responsible for the injury.

That is why you need to hire an experienced asbestos related disease attorney.

Adhesives
Asbestos Gloves
Asbestos Cord
Asbestos Canvas
Asbestos Curtains
Asbestos Felt
Auto brakes
Auto Clutches
Boiler Insulation
Caulking
Ceiling Tiles
Cement Pipes
Clay

Fertilizers
Firebrick
Potting Mixtures
Pumps
Putties
Fire Curtains
Gasket Material
Generators
Glassbestos
Heating Ducts
Heat Guard
Heat Seal
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