Kamis, 03 November 2011

Lemon Law Lawyers Or Attorneys- The Answer

Lemon Law Lawyers Or Attorneys- The Answer To Your Problems
By: David Faulkner
If you have just bought a brand new car and found it to be notably flawed, what do you do? Sure, you'd probably be upset. I mean, who wouldn’t? A new car is something exciting, and you probably couldn’t wait to show it off to your family, or take your friends out for a ride in it.
But then, when you bring your new ride home, you find out there is something wrong with it - perhaps in the transmission or in the steering. No matter where the malfunction is, discovering that your new auto is imperfect can really be a wet blanket to the excitement of owning a new car.
However, it is not the end of the world. What you should do is get over your grief and contact a lemon law lawyer or attorney who can fight for your consumer rights under the lemon law. That's right - a lemon law lawyer or attorney will be able to help you to legally demand for a replacement vehicle or a refund.
In most parts of the United States, you are allowed to file a claim without the presence of a lemon law lawyer or attorney if you think you are legally skilled enough to do it. In most cases, though, it's a good idea to seek guidance from a lemon law lawyer or attorney first before submitting your case to the judge.
Lemon law lawyers or attorneys are learned in the practice and applications of the lemon law, and are familiar with every nook and cranny of court proceedings. Having one of them in your corner won't do you any harm at all. Furthermore, if your chosen lemon law lawyer or attorney is really very good, you will get all the benefits you deserve and you might even recover from your initial frustration.
The lemon law lawyer or attorney will instruct you to notify the car manufacturer of your complaints without delay. You have to do this in a civilized manner, of course, and with the help of your lemon law lawyer or attorney, so the negotiations will run smoothly.
You will find that oftentimes, a manufacturer will take you a lot more seriously if you have the backing of a lemon law lawyer or attorney, and they will exert more effort in providing you appropriate compensation for your troubles.
Even if you decide not to take your case to court, maybe just settle it with the car company representative over lunch, or over a cup of coffee at the local café, it is still helpful if you have a lemon law lawyer or attorney with you.
If the car manufacturer you are dealing with happens to have less than honest intentions in mind, he might try to take advantage of your legal inexperience. The presence of a lemon law lawyer or attorney will discourage anyone from such schemes. A brilliant lemon law lawyer or attorney will also make sure that you will end up on the winning side of the deal.
If you are a more ferocious type and wish to battle it out in court, a lemon law lawyer or attorney will definitely be required. The best lemon law lawyers or attorneys will probably have fairly expensive fees compared to other lemon law lawyers or attorneys, but go ahead and hire them anyway. If you win the case, then your legal bills will be covered by the manufacturer and you won't have anything to worry about.
Finding a lemon law lawyer or attorney to represent you is not that hard, as many states have quite a number of competent lemon law lawyers or attorneys who are willing to assist you.

Common causes of poor conference calls

There are several common causes of poor quality conference calls:
  • People simply not showing up.
  • Lack of familiarity with behaviour and protocol.
  • Lack of familiarity with equipment and technology.
  • Background noise and disturbances.
  • Poor coordination by call-initiator.
  • Lack of moderator
Each of these causes requires a different kind of corrective action. However, there is usually one primary root cause; for example, people may not be showing up because the technology does not work, or the technology may not work because people are not familiar with it.
Technology problems tend to fall into two kinds: lack of bandwidth and poor equipment. Again, it is worth checking which of these apply in the case of technology problems.

Free conference calling

Free conferencing is different from traditional conference calling where the organizer of the conference call pays either a flat rate fee or per minute charge or a mixture of both. It has no organizer fees and allows for multiple people to meet for the price of their long distance connections. Companies that provide free conference call services are usually compensated through traffic pumping arrangements, and consequently are subject to call blocking by some carriers. Calls to these seemingly free conference services and other reverse billing rate centers can be 20 times more expensive than a ‘normal’ call.[1] In the United Kingdom the prefix 0870 system is used by UK-based free conference calling providers in order to receive a rebate from every call from telephone company that owns the number. However in April 2009 Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, announced that the rebate that is payable to the telecom's supplier when an 0870 number is used would be removed.[2] Removing the income stream for free conference call providers these providers had to find other ways to generate income in order to stay in business.

Prepaid conference calls

Prepaid conference call services allow businesses and individuals to purchase conferencing services online, and conduct conference calls on a pay-as-you-go basis. Typically, a conference call PIN and its associated calling instructions are displayed immediately online after being purchased and/or sent via email. Generally, prepaid conference call services are used with a landline telephone, mobile phone, or computer, and there is no need to buy additional expensive telecommunications hardware or add/switch long distance service. Some services allow you to start or join a conference call from virtually any country worldwide—with appropriate telephone access.
Large telecommunications providers such as AT&T, Embarq (formerly Sprint), Verizon and other large to medium conferencing service providers maintain a dominant position in the conferencing niche; servicing many of the World's biggest brands. However, the Internet and improved global VoIP networks have helped to significantly reduce the barrier of entry into this niche.

Flat Rate Conferencing

Flat rate services are now being offered which enable conference call users to have unlimited access to a conference bridge at a fixed monthly cost. Because telecommunication carriers offer free long distance bundled with local service, this alternative is gaining widespread popularity for budget conscious businesses and non-profits.
In the UK, there are conference services offered on a pay as you go basis where the cost of the phone calls (using 0844, 0870 or 0871 numbers) from each of the participants covers the cost of the conference service. With this service type there is no monthly charge and usually no contracts to sign.

Party line

Conference calls can also be used for entertainment or social purposes, such as the party line or a group call. Such entertainment-based conference calls are used to provide a break from boredom as well as a way to socialize with others. People call in to a specified telephone number and are connected to conversations with other callers. This serves as a way to talk to and perhaps, subsequently, meet new people.
In the "early" days (up to 1950's-1970's in some parts of Australia) a "party line" was the only way a community could make calls. Everyone was connected to the same line and all you had to do was pick up the handset and you would be connected. In some areas, the local operator could connect you by simply plugging in the lead to your house and you could join in the conversation. Interestingly the operator was able to listen to all calls, they would cut in and tell a caller if they were approaching their allocated time for a call. The operator was often a good source of information about the community.

Business

Businesses use conference calls daily to meet with remote parties, both internally and outside of their company. Common applications are client meetings or sales presentations, project meetings and updates, regular team meetings, training classes and communication to employees who work in different locations. Conference calling is viewed as a primary means of cutting travel costs and allowing workers to be more productive by not having to go out-of-office for meetings.
Conference calls are used by nearly all United States public corporations to report their quarterly results. These calls usually allow for questions from stock analysts and are called earnings calls. A standard conference call begins with a disclaimer stating that anything said in the duration of the call may be a forward looking statement, and that results may vary significantly. The CEO, CFO, or Investor Relations officer then will read the company's quarterly report. Lastly, the call is opened for questions from analysts.
Conference calls are increasingly used in conjunction with web conferences, where presentations or documents are shared via the internet. This allows people on the call to view content such as corporate reports, sales figures and company data presented by one of the participants. The main benefit is that the presenter of the document can give clear explanations about details within the document, while others simultaneously view the presentation.
Business conference calls are usually hosted or operator-assisted, the quality (extreme reliability) and feature set of the telephone conferencing platform is what differs free from business conference calls. Billing is usually never a problem as most business conferencing call providers have flexible billing options. When you measure it from minute to minute, it would always be more advisable to go for business conference calling than settle with cheap and unreliable free ones.
Conference calls are also beginning to cross over into the world of podcasting and social networking, which in turn fosters new kinds of interaction patterns. Live streaming or broadcasting of conference calls allows a larger audience access to the call without dialing in to a bridge. In addition, organizers of conference calls can publish a dial-in number alongside the audio stream, creating potential for audience members to dial in if and when they wish to interact.

Conference call

A conference call is a telephone call in which the calling party wishes to have more than one called party listen in to the audio portion of the call. The conference calls may be designed to allow the called party to participate during the call, or the call may be set up so that the called party merely listens into the call and cannot speak. It is often referred to as an ATC (Audio Tele-Conference).

Conference calls can be designed so that the calling party calls the other participants and adds them to the call; however, participants are usually able to call into the conference call themselves by dialing into a special telephone number that connects to a "conference bridge" (a specialized type of equipment that links telephone lines).

Companies commonly use a specialized service provider who maintains the conference bridge, or who provides the phone numbers and PIN codes that participants dial to access the meeting or conference call.

Three-way calling is available (usually at an extra charge) for many customers on their home or office phone line. To three-way call, the first person, who is the one who someone wishes to talk to is dialed. Then the Hook flash button (known as the recall button in the UK and elsewhere) is pressed and the other person's phone number is dialed. While it is ringing, flash / recall is pressed again to connect the three people together. This option allows callers to add a second outgoing call to an already connected call.

3 way calling for prison interpretation is, if an inmate is on the phone and another person picks up another phone this is considered 3 way/conference calling.

Mechanism of action

The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis (SPTL), the matching of a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to obtain optimal effect on a targeted tissue with minimal effect on surrounding tissue. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter, melanin, in the area that causes hair growth, the follicle, while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin, but with much more speed and intensity. This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced.

Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin, and gives skin and hair their color. There are two types of melanin in hair. Eumelanin gives hair brown or black color, while pheomelanin gives hair blonde or red color. Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed. Laser works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, being most effective and producing the best results, but new lasers are now able to target dark black hair with some success in patients with dark skin.[4]

Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and have been approved for "permanent hair reduction" in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[5] Under the FDA's definition, "permanent" hair reduction is the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. Indeed, many patients experience complete regrowth of hair on their treated areas in the years following their last treatment. This means that although laser treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair. [6]

Laser hair removal has become popular because of its speed and efficiency, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill and experience of the laser operator,[citation needed] and the choice and availability of different laser technologies used for the procedure. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of 3-8 treatments. It has also been noted that some people are "non-responders" – this occurs when incorrect device is being used, the device parameters are too low or the patient is simply not a good candidate for treatment.

The Science of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal or "photoepilation" is a proven form of hair removal based on many years of clinical experience, research into properties of laser light, follicle growth and phases, and millions of procedures in medical clinics, spas & office locations around the world.
The science of the procedure is based on proven facts surrounding the "theory of selective photothermolysis", which states that a laser beam applied to living tissue will have different effects on tissue components (in this case hair) depending on the absorption spectra. What this means in the case of laser hair removal is that hair (with its melanin pigment) can be successfully targeted with the proper wavelength of light energy. Over a decade of experience has shown laser hair removal is the proven solution for long-term, or in many cases, permanent hair reduction. Contact a specialist today for a consultation to learn more.

Laser Hair Removal

The Hair Removal Journal is brought to you by the Patient's Guide, in conjunction with our Advisory Board, and our medical affiliates. With new technologies rapidly emerging, tedious or painful epilation methods, such as waxing or electrolysis can now be left behind for a better solution. The purpose of the Hair Removal Journal is to provide men and women interested in an alternative to shaving, specifically with laser hair removal, a credible resource to research getting rid of unwanted hair, including costs associated with the procedure, the number of treatments that will be needed, and any risks or side-effects. 

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal was performed experimentally for about 20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1990s.[citation needed] One of the first published articles describing laser hair removal was authored by the group at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1998.[1][2] The efficacy of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in the dermatology community,[citation needed] and laser hair removal is widely practiced in clinics, and even in homes using devices designed and priced for consumer self-treatment. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature.[3]

Laser Hair Removal Washington DC

Laser hair removal in Washington DC is quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women. If you are sick and tired of shaving, waxing, or tweezing unwanted hair on a daily or weekly basis, and are looking for a more permanent solution, we have exactly what you need. Many men and women are turning to the latest trend in hair removal - the laser.  For those interested in our revolutionary non-invasive procedure, here are all the facts that you need to know before you go under the light. This procedure has been hyped around the globe as the permanent solution to unwanted hair removal and has shown great promise in delivering on that claim. However, before investing your valuable time and hard earned money into Laser Hair Removal treatments, we suggest you do a little research.

The effect of removing unwanted hair by laser was first discovered by dermatologists in the late 1960s.  Dermatologists discovered that during treatment for skin conditions with lasers, the removal of hair in the treatment area happened to be a side effect and because of this, lasers have been studied extensively for years for their hair removal effectiveness.  Many different types of lasers have since been approved by the FDA and now professional treatments for Laser Hair Removal in Washington DC are available to all interested residents.

Today, Laser Hair Removal in Washington DC is one of the fastest growing non-invasive cosmetic procedures on the market.  Last year alone, over one million individuals underwent laser treatments around the globe.  At our Washington DC clinic, all of the technicians are trained and certified on the latest laser hair removal equipment; this guarantees professional Laser Hair Removal treatments each and every time you visit.  To learn more about our approach to this extraordinary treatment, come in for a free and confidential consultation.  We’ll give you all the information you need and get you set up for a series of Laser Hair Removal treatments at our Washington DC clinic that will leave you with nothing but hair free skin!

Mesothelioma Lawyers and Other Asbestos Disease Lawyers & Attorneys

When you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease like malignant mesothelioma, legal matters are probably not the first issue on your mind.

It is completely natural to be fearful, angry and concerned over how you will pay for your mesothelioma treatment and what will happen to your family when you are no longer able to work. It is for these last two reasons however that you should be considering legal action from the moment you are diagnosed with mesothelioma. The main reason for this is because of the statute of limitations on legal action. This is a period of time within which you must file a claim, or forfeit your right to do so. The statute of limitations varies from one state to another. Any delay could impact your right to make a claim, but do not assume it is too late. A mesothelioma lawyer may still be able to recover damages on your behalf even if the common statute of limitations has passed. The other reason you need to find a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible is because it may be the only recourse you have in order to get compensation for medical expense and lost income. Because of the system currently in place, –retaining a lawyer and filing a lawsuit may be your best choice to hold corporations accountable and force them to cover your pain, suffering, expenses and losses - all for which they may be found liable.

Call us at (888) 360-4215 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
Finding the right mesothelioma attorney will help maximize your chances of winning a settlement in a court of law.

What an Asbestos Attorney Does
A mesothelioma lawyer is one who practices in the field of torts - that is, personal injury law and has experience representing victims of asbestos. Torts cover everything from minor sports injuries caused by a Little League coach's oversight to wrongful death due to gross negligence on the part of a large corporation.

Because asbestos litigation is now entering its fifth decade, has become so frequent and involves such large sums of money, it has become a sub-specialty of the law; in legal terms, asbestos liability is said to be a mature tort. This means that there have been enough cases over a sufficient amount of time to establish case law and precedent.

Since mesothelioma can take years and even decades to appear after initial asbestos exposure, these cases pose unique challenges. Over such periods of time, companies go out of business, change their names and/or go into the production of different materials; they move to other states or even other countries; often, they have been acquired by other corporations and are operated as subsidiaries.

This can cause difficulty in identifying the party who bears ultimate liability. Typically, preparing for an asbestos case requires large amounts of painstaking research which involves close examination of old records, previous cases, legal documents and even photographs. Often, witnesses must be found and asked for testimony regarding events and issues dating back twenty to forty years and more.

In addition, because the onset of the disease is often years after exposure to the cause, establishing this causation ("cause and effect," which is at the heart of all personal injury litigation) often requires the testimony of medical experts.

How to Find the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer
It is tempting to go straight to the Internet and type "mesothelioma lawyer" into your favorite search engine. However, this may not be the best strategy. First of all, such a query will result in well over two million hits. Even if you limit your search to a specific state, you may wind up with a million hits or more. You should be satisfied with your communication with a lawyer and mesothelioma law firms before making your decision.

Consider what is at stake, and then proceed accordingly. You may want to ask a potential mesothelioma lawyer the following questions:

How many mesothelioma (not just asbestos) cases have they handled?
What were the usual outcomes (out-of-court settlement, win, loss, appeal)?
Will the attorney be handling your case personally? (At times attorneys may refer your case to another firm that may be better suited to help in your situation - often providing you with the services of both their firms and another at no extra cost to you- this may be a benefit to you)
Will you be able to speak with him/her as needed? Will your calls be returned in a timely manner and your questions answered clearly?
Will s/he and/or the firm accept the case on a contingency basis? (Because of high costs of this type of case, this is often the only option for many individuals; the lawyer takes his/her fee and expenses as a percentage of the final award)
Will your case be handled on an individual basis, or "bundled" with several other similar cases? (This may hurt you if your case is a strong one, but can be helpful to weaker cases)
Does the attorney or firm have a network of lawyers nationwide who will share their research and expertise in order to build a solid case on your behalf?

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cancer

Asbestos Attorneys and Your Potential Mesothelioma Settlement

Asbestos attorneys carry out their work in the general field of personal injury law. These trained and experienced attorneys specialize in asbestos exposure laws as well as understanding the devastating disease called mesothelioma, and the impact it has on families. Our asbestos attorneys have over three decades of experience representing victims of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. People who worked around asbestos fibers are most susceptible to developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma attacks the mesothelium – the lining around the abdominal cavity and the lungs and heart – and is often difficult to treat, depending on where it occurs in the body and how much it has spread when found. Often the effects of asbestos exposure are not seen until decades after the exposure, as mesothelioma can develop 30-50 years after exposure.
Diagnosis and treatment of any type of cancer is expensive; mesothelioma is no exception and may even be more costly to patients and their families. Asbestos attorneys know how to investigate these cases and how to maximize the settlement values for mesothelioma victims and their loved ones
Asbestos Cancer Lawyer – Giving Hope to Patients and Their Families


Mesothelioma cases are unique in the legal system. Because the disease itself can take many years, even decades, to develop, the asbestos manufacturing companies that are likely to blame for exposure may have gone out of business, or changed their name. They may have moved their headquarters from one state to another, or even relocated to another country. They may have been acquired by another corporation.
This is why it is important for the asbestos attorney to identify the parties who bear ultimate responsibility for exposing a victim to asbestos in the first place. Typically, preparing for an asbestos case requires large amounts of detailed research such as the examination of old records, previous cases, legal documents and even photographs. Often, witnesses must be found and asked for testimony regarding events and issues dating back twenty to forty years or more.
In addition, because the potential onset of mesothelioma is often years, even decades after exposure to asbestos, establishing that the disease was caused by exposure in a specific location during a specific timeframe often requires the testimony of medical experts.
Need a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Asbestos attorneys are experienced in bringing justice to the victims of asbestos exposure. In general, an experienced asbestos attorney will guide you through each step of the process and will work to minimize potential disruption to your life. Each person’s claim is different, but the general steps involved in filing a claim include: gathering case details, the actual filing of the complaint, the prosecution of the case, the settlement and/or the trial.
Our staff of experienced asbestos attorneys and paralegals will provide you with the attention you deserve and give you as much comfort as you need through the litigation process of a mesothelioma lawsuit. Don’t wait – request a free asbestos legal consultation today.
The information provided on theasbestosattorney.com, a website of Sokolove Law, is general in nature, does not apply to any particular factual situation, and is not and should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, insurance, or other professional advice. We make no commitment or warranty that the factual, legal, medical, financial, or any other information on theasbestosattorney.com, or on any linked website, is accurate, complete, error-free, or current. As such, you should not rely on such information, and should seek professional advice if and as you determine appropriate. No attorney-client relationship between you and Sokolove Law is or may be created by your access to or use of the website or any information herein. We may include on the website information regarding lawsuits, settlements, and judgments for cases that Sokolove Law was not involved in. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Please see our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy, which is new and/or materially revised effective November 5, 2010, and our Disclaimers, which are new effective November 5, 2010, for further information.

Veterans & Mesothelioma

Veterans can develop mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during their military service.

For decades, the men and women from all four branches (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines) of the United States military have defended our country, both in times of war and in times of peace. Veterans put their lives on the line each and every day, both on the battlefront and at the many U.S. military bases located around the world. Of all the individuals in the United States that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, the veteran population has been affected the most.

The simple reason for this increased risk is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma, was used by the U.S. military in literally hundreds of applications. Because exposure was unavoidable for some, mesothelioma remains one of the most serious diseases affecting veterans today, particularly those who served between World War II and the Vietnam Conflict.

Asbestos was used in all branches of the military for many years, especially during the years of World War II and the Korean Conflict. At that time, shipbuilding was at its peak. In fact, about 4.3 million Americans worked in shipyards during World War II and because of the daily tasks they were required to perform, many were at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.

Navy veterans are at the greatest risk to develop mesothelioma as asbestos was widely used in Naval ships and shipyards.

Navy veterans were exposed to high levels of asbestos present in many areas of navy ships including boiler rooms, engine rooms, galleys and sleeping quarters. While the soldiers who lived and worked aboard the ships - including gunmen, boilermen, and firemen - were susceptible to inhaling asbestos, those who built and repaired the ships were even more prone to developing diseases associated with the toxic mineral. They were tradesmen such as pipefitters, plumbers, mechanics, shipfitters, electricians, welders and boilermakers to name a few.

There have even been instances where military base secretaries, and others who did not work directly on ships, developed mesothelioma cancer through second-hand asbestos exposure. Second hand exposure occurs when asbestos dust is inhaled from the clothes and hair of others who worked with asbestos on the base or from an abundance of asbestos circulating through the air. Loved ones of shipyard workers have also been known to develop the disease due to the same type of secondary exposure.

Because mesothelioma can remain dormant for several decades, many veterans who served during the 1950s to the 1970s are just being diagnosed with the disease. These brave men and women were unaware that they would face a terminal illness in their later years when they had hoped to be enjoying retirement and extra time with their family. Mesothelioma is a particularly difficult disease to battle, and though there have been great advances in the area of mesothelioma treatment in recent years, the overall prognosis for the disease is not a favorable one.

There has also been some controversy surrounding the U.S. government and their responsibility to those who have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases as a result of their service to the country. While the Veterans Administration offers some guidance to afflicted personnel, it is clear that more must be done to support veterans with mesothelioma, including compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and suffering.

Asbestos Exposure and Cancer

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function which leads to the development of mesothelioma. Asbestos products were used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Asbestos companies continued to produce these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to workers and their families. Many of these products were responsible for asbestos exposure sustained by both the individuals who manufactured the products as well as those who used them at commercial, industrial and military jobsites. Renovation and construction both at home and in schools and other public facilities also posed high risk areas for asbestos exposure.

Asbestos related cancer is common among military veterans who we exposed on naval ships, in shipyards and at military bases. Naval ships where exposure occurred include aircraft carriers, battleships, destroyers, submarines, warships and others. Some prominent shipyards where asbestos was prevalent include Brooklyn Navy Yard, Norfolk Navy Shipyard, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. At commercial and industrial locations including refineries, power plants, steel mills, auto production facilities and large construction sites, many workers were put at risk. Some of the occupations of workers at risk include electricians, plumbers, boilermakers, carpenters, mechanics , machinists and more. Additionally, if you lived with someone who was regularly exposed to asbestos and washed their clothes, you could be at risk for second hand asbestos exposure

Mesothelioma Treatment

 Once an individual has been diagnosed by a qualified mesothelioma doctor, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options and to develop a treatment plan. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing mesothelioma and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients often have many questions for their doctors about the treatment options that would be most effective for them. Conventional treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Recently, chemotherapy drugs including Alimta® and Cisplatin have showed promising results in some patients.

Mesothelioma clinical trials as well as experimental treatments are other options that certain mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma experts such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of cancer centers where mesothelioma treatment takes place. Beyond the conventional treatments for mesothelioma, certain alternative therapies may provide assistance to mesothelioma patients. We continually update this section of our site as new mesothelioma treatment information becomes available. Check back often to read about the most recent advances.

Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is dedicated to serving mesothelioma victims and their families.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium, which lines the heart.

An individual may be at risk to develop mesothelioma if he or she was exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of asbestos particles. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those with a past asbestos exposure history experiencing symptoms should consult a physician with experience in accurately diagnosing mesothelioma. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be caught at an early stage. At earlier stages of mesothelioma progression, more treatment options are available and oftentimes a better prognosis is given. Additional mesothelioma information and statistics can be found in this section.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, more precisely malignant mesothelioma, is a rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs, the mesothelium. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.[1]
Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), thepericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart),[2] or the tunica vaginalis (a sac that surrounds the testis).
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma.[3] Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced cancers.[4] Those who have been exposed to asbestos have collected damages for asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in law practices regarding mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).
The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. Athoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

A patient with mesothelioma usually begins showing symptoms 15 to 50 years after their exposure to asbestos. The cancer may take decades to develop in the body and symptoms do not arise until after the cancer is present. Common early symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath and reduced respiratory function. Many patients are unaware they have developed mesothelioma or the severity of their condition as mesothelioma symptoms typically resemble symptoms of less serious illnesses and occur so long after the initial exposure.


If you have a history of asbestos exposure, the leading cause of mesothelioma, and believe you may be showing signs of mesothelioma, it is best to seek immediate medical advice. Informing your doctor of previous asbestos exposure can alert them to the possibility of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma.


If you have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should strive to gather as much information as possible about symptoms, doctors and the disease of mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Center offers a free packet covering the nation's leading mesothelioma doctors and treatment centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs. To receive your packet in the mail, please enter your information below.

Veterans and Mesothelioma

During the better part of the 20th century, the United States Armed Forces used asbestos in the production of many types of ships, buildings and vehicles, thus exposing countless soldiers and workers to this terrible mineral. At its peak, asbestos was used predominantly in factories during World War II and many U.S. veterans suffered from mesothelioma as a result, because the harmful effects of asbestos were not known until decades later. Even now, as asbestos use and production has declined significantly, many veterans could still be afflicted, unaware of the early symptoms of mesothelioma.


The Mesothelioma Resource Online offers a comprehensive list of American naval vessels and military ships that were produced using asbestos, as well as a state-by-state directory of Veterans Affairs center and hospitals to assist service men and women who are suffering from mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Previously, diagnosing mesothelioma in its early stages had been a difficult, almost impossible task, because the early symptoms of this disease resemble those of similar diseases and sometimes even basic illnesses. The severity of mesothelioma is defined by four stages, with prognosis becoming bleaker as each stage progresses, so the discovery of symptoms in the first two stages is essential for ensuring a greater mesothelioma life expectancy. Additionally, the difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma is caused by a large latency period, meaning that it can take decades between the initial exposure to asbestos and development of symptoms. However, if you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and experiences initial symptoms such as chest pain, violent coughing, and fatigue, it is essential that you consult with a physician immediately.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Resource Online has created and developed this site to provide answers and support for people diagnosed with mesothelioma, as well as their families and loved ones. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos and has long been considered a mystery and incurable. However, over the past two decades, physicians, scientists and researchers have begun to unravel this mystery and help peoplediagnose mesothelioma in its earlier stages, while providing more extensive forms oftreatment, vast resources, and general information to make coping and survival more about optimism rather than uncertainty.