Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the mesothelium.  The mesothelium is the thin membrane that covers our internal organs and forms a protective barrieraround them.  To allow the internal organs to move around easily (when our lungs inhale and exhale) a fluid is secreted by the mesothelium.  Since the mesothelium covers different organs it has different names.  Pleura mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane covering the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma   is cancer of the membrane that covers the abdomen or stomach. 

Mesothelioma cancer is when the mesothelium lining becomes abnormal and grows uncontrollably causing pain.  This can be benign or malignant.  Malignant mesothelioma cancer will damage the tissue of the organ it resides on and possibly invade other organs.  Most cases of mesothelioma are either pleural or peritoneal. the Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Althought mesothelioma is a very serious disease it is very rare.  The majority of cases are male and

Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the thin membrane that covers our internal organs and forms a protective barrieraround them. To allow the internal organs to move around easily (when our lungs inhale and exhale) a fluid is secreted by the mesothelium. Since the mesothelium covers different organs it has different names. Pleura mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane covering the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane that covers the abdomen or stomach. Mesothelioma cancer is when the mesothelium lining becomes abnormal and grows uncontrollably causing pain. This can be benign or malignant. Malignant mesothelioma cancer will damage the tissue of the organ it resides on and possibly invade other organs. Most cases of mesothelioma are either pleural or peritoneal. the Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum. Althought mesothelioma is a very serious disease it is very rare. The majority of cases are male and there are around 2,000 new cases every year. A major factor in the risk level of a person contracting mesothelioma is their exposure to asbestos. Most patients were exposed to asbestos in the manufacturing or building industry where asbestos was used widely for years. Mesothelioma cancer was not widely recognized until 1960 when a South African experiment proved a high association with asbestos and mesothelioma. The Unisted States Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of asbestos in 1986. there are around 2,000 new cases every year.  A major factor in the risk level of a person contracting mesothelioma is their exposure to asbestos.  Most patients were exposed to asbestos in the manufacturing or building industry where asbestos was used widely for years.

Mesothelioma cancer was not widely recognized until 1960 when a South African experiment proved a high association with asbestos and mesothelioma.  The Unisted States Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of asbestos in 1986. 

 Some individuals who suffer with mesothelioma and some families who have lost family members have seeked legal compensation for the suffering that some companies have caused allowing this exposure to asbestos.  Individual settlements will vary depending on the merits of each case, the local laws and other factors.  There is a debate in the US Senate for a national settlement of $140 billion to end asbestos litigation. Listed below are some example settlements.

Russell Cook, 67, from Bridgewater, MA was a fourth generation metal lather who come down with mesothelioma.  He was diagnosed two years ago and recently won a settletment for being exposed to asbestos while working in the construction industry.  Since being awarded the settlement he has turned into a philanthropist.  He has donated close to $100,000 to charities ranging from handicapped children to local fire dept. and police dept. to senior citizens.  Mr. Cook was represented by Charles Herd of Houston, TX. 

Richard Spoor, a South African lawyer, successfully sued Gencor and won a R460 million settlement.  Gencor did not admit liability in this settlement and the money was given to the Asbestos Relief fund.  This is a major victory for South African miners and their families.  Mr. Spoor will strive for more mesothelioma settlements to help this group of people, who were not provided adequate protection from asbestos and thus are now suffering from mesothelioma.  

The family of Leo Van Hoof (who died of mesothelioma) have won several settlements which have led to payments ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.  However the payments of these settlements have been slow to come since many of the asbestos companies have filed for bankruptcy protection due to numerous mesothelioma lawsuits.  Pat Van Hoof, Leo's wife was also exposed to asbestos from washing the clothes of Mr. Van Hoof.  She has not yet been diagnosed with mesothelioma, but is monitor for it.