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SimmonsCooper Reaches Out to Patients and Families Online
SimmonsCooper started this blog several years ago. Since then, we have continued to try to find new ways to reach out to patients and families affected by mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers.
Read more about how SimmonsCooper is trying to educate about the dangers of asbestos and promote resources for patients.
Understanding the Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos or related materials. This cancer occurs in the protective lining which surrounds vital organs. The lining is called the mesothelium, hence the name mesothelioma.
This cancer can be found in the tissues protecting the heart, lungs, stomach and abdomen. When it is found in the lungs it is called pleural mesothelioma; in the heart it is known as pericardial mesothelioma. In the stomach area, the condition is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms have common features regardless of location in the body. Shortness of breath, appetite problems, swelling, and fever are all named as symptoms. These are known as “non-specific” symptoms and could relate to a variety of medical problems. When knowledge of past exposure to asbestos or other carcinogens is added to the diagnosis, a doctor can begin to rule out other possible causes and concentrate on locating tumors or abnormal growth.
The most common form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. Many patients are exposed to asbestos through construction projects or other environments where asbestos particles become airborne. Without a respirator, these particles enter the airway and can cause cancer.
Unfortunately, pleural mesothelioma does not manifest itself for many years. Some patients do not manifest the cancer for decades. Unfortunately, after such a long period of time once the symptoms begin to manifest, pleural mesothelioma may be in advanced stages.
Treatment for pleural mesothelioma depends on many factors. The age, health and medical history of a patient are all important factors, as well as the current stage of the cancer. Catching mesothelioma early is crucial for successful treatment, but only a doctor can tell you what specific options are appropriate in your case.
A doctor has several courses of action available when recommending treatment. Surgery is one course. A section of lung and surrounding tissues may be removed to prevent further spread of the disease. In some cases the entire affected lung may be removed.
Chemotherapy is another option. This treatment involves swallowed or injected drugs designed to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. Radiation treatments can also kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This option uses high-powered x-rays directed at the affected areas to destroy mesothelioma cells.
A doctor will choose the most effective course of treatment after performing diagnostic tests, evaluating the scope and seriousness of the cancer and the patient’s ability to withstand the procedures. In some cases, surgery may be too much for a patient’s body to take; in others it may be required for basic comfort or survival. Much depends on the patient.
A recurring theme in all literature about cancer, especially malignant mesothelioma, is early detection. It’s important to tell your doctor if you even suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos at some time in your life. Have this information entered into your medical records so you can be monitored for any symptoms which may indicate the development of pleural mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure in Mechanics - New Study
There was a new study published in March in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene called “Asbestos Exposuures of Mechanics Performing Clutch Service on Motor Vehicles.”
The study looked at the historical asbestos exposures of mechanics that performed clutch services on vehicles. Chrysotile abestos was used in about 25-60 percent of brakes and manual transmission clutches for the majority of the past century.
See the journal here.
Mesothelioma video website an educational and inspirational resource
Check out the Mesothelioma Video Library at www.mesovideolibrary.com. It has a wealth of information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Some highlights from the site you may find useful:
Medical expert interviews with mesothelioma nurse practitioner Mary Hesdorffer.
Videos about pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, finding a mesothelioma doctor and more.
True stories from people affected by mesothelioma.
Bad News From Down Under
Recent scientific reports from Australia paint an extremely disturbing picture.
It is now very possible that current predictions of future asbestos-related disease are way too low, according to an epidemiologist from The Australian National University.
For example, the future incidence of mesothelioma may be 35% higher than what has been thought.
It also means that over 6000 new cases could be showing up as late as 2017. Read more here
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An Excellent Idea
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is lobbying the United States Senate to unanimously pass Senate Resolution 108 that would designate the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week.”
Too many Americans are still suffering and dying from asbestos and mesolthelioma. A declaration by the Senate would offer a strong show of concern and support.
Please email both your senators and ask them to support the measure.
The ADAO does admirable work on behalf of asbestos victims, reminding us, for example, that asbestosis and mesothelioma are not the only devastating diseases that arise from exposure.
Rest in Peace
The awful saga of asbestos and mesothelioma has very few heroes.
To be sure, there are plenty of villains. And, of course, no end of victims—no end in sight.
Among the few heroes, Lee Skramstad stands out. He was a vigorous advocate for his community and for his fellow victims everywhere.
Mr. Skramstad died on January 21, 2007. Read more about him here.
Families At Risk
Here’s another tragic example of how asbestos doesn’t just kill workers. It kills their families as well.
A 32 year-old man died less than a year after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. He was exposed to asbestos because, as a child, he used to sit on his stepfather’s lap. His stepfather was a scaffolder exposed in the late 1970s.
The man’s widow was awarded compensation after the Zurich insurance firm finally conceded negligence. Read more here.
Inexcusable
It’s not just major corporations that must be held accountable for exposing thousands of people to asbestos-related diseases.
In the UK, a nightclub operator has now exposed 70,000 people, including 1,000 families with small children.
Every indication so far points to greed as the motivation. One inspector was so alarmed for his own safety, he refused to remain on the premises.
The importance of stories like this one is that they remind us that the same immorality that created the asbestos tragedy many years ago is still all too alive and well.
Unconscionable
Insurance companies in Great Britain are trying to avoid paying compensation to mesothelioma victims—using an argument that should have been resolved years ago.
They’re arguing that the “trigger” for payment is when workers first show symptoms, not when they were first exposed to asbestos.
Criminals use technicalities to beat the rap. So do corporations.
