Mesothelioma Information Washington DC Blog | Parker, Dumler and Kiely LLP

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Synergistic Effect (Between Cigarette Smoking and Asbestos Exposure)

Research shows a severely multiplied risk of lung cancer in smokers who have been exposed to asbestos–as much as 90 times the risk! To complicate matters further are the individual disease risks that come from both exposures, and further yet are the interactions of these diseases when more than one is present.

Smoking is known to cause lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. These diseases cause inflammation of the lungs, airways and alveoli. This produces mucus, swelling of the airways (which swell inwards, narrowing them), and air trapping. Air trapping stretches the fragile alveolar sacs, destroying their unique structure, and ultimately reduces the amount of oxygen entering the blood stream and increasing the carbon dioxide that remains in the bloodstream.

Asbestos can cause asbestosis, a restrictive disease resulting from scar tissue. With restrictive disease the lungs cannot expand fully, and the alveoli, normally a thin membrane, has thickened from scar tissue that can neither expand nor allow gas exchange to occur fast enough to support a healthy state.

A synergistic effect is a multiple, rather than an additive effect. That is, the effects are not just added together, but each condition exaggerates the effects of the other condition so that the results are worse than the sum of the effects of each, alone.

A smoker with a history of asbestos exposure can reduce his risk of lung cancer dramatically. After 10 years of non-smoking, this risk can drop to as little as twice that of the general population.

You can learn more about your options and rights from experienced asbestos lawyers. Please contact Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP for a free initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 3:01 PM

Friday, February 20, 2009

Survivors and Fighters

Mesothelioma is often referred to as an incurable cancer. This is true because a cure has not been found. But, what is misleading are statistics supporting a life expectancy of six to twelve months after diagnosis. The reason this is misleading is that such data tend to steal hope from patients who might otherwise beat these odds, especially in light of recent clinical trials that show such promise.

Stories of survivors of fifteen years and counting offer reassurance, hope, and encouragement about how they overcame these odds. They have many things in common, starting with a short period of grieving and a sense of hopelessness, followed by rebounding with a commitment to fight their disease.

Each had decided that they had nothing to lose by following every channel of treatment. They visited doctor after doctor until they found on who offered either conventional treatment or helped them get into a clinical trial.

They learned everything possible about their disease, including epidemiology, standard treatments, alternative treatments, dietary options, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Along with submitting to the care of a physician whom they trusted, many learned to meditate, enjoy life in the moment, join prayer groups and request prayers, try holistic treatments and diets, and learn to live a full life despite the dim prognosis.

Many who entered clinical trials survived as much as three years after diagnosis, and others who took more positive attitudes and steps lived ten to fourteen years beyond the bleak predictions that accompanied their diagnoses. Others have yet to establish a new record, as they are still survivors and fighters. Almost 40% of Dr. Sugarbaker’s patients survive more than five years after treatment.

What is so wonderful is that these guiding stars are not just convalescing with their disease. They lived, or are living full and active lives during their incredible grace periods.

Please visit the website of Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for an evaluation of your situation. You may be entitled to compensation that covers your medical and other expenses.

posted by Patti at 2:59 PM

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Treatments for Mesothelioma Under Investigation

Mesothelioma is difficult to treat, in part because it is so rare compared to other diseases with similar symptoms, such as asthma or emphysema. Doctor visits are time limited. At least one clinic is known to limit doctor-patient time by patient’s age rather than reason for visit.

This is significant because early diagnosis has shown the most promise for success in treatment leading to reduction in symptoms and discomfort, and longer survival rates. Short visits imply that the clinic assumes that patients’ symptoms reflect the most common causes. For mesothelioma patients this can be disastrous as this practice can discourage doctors from digging deep enough to get a diagnosis until the “early stages” have passed.

Researchers continue to study new treatments for mesothelioma. Around the world a mesothelioma “epidemic” is expected. Over the next ten to twenty years, many workers exposed to asbestos prior to 1990 will begin developing a disease they never knew existed, let alone would devastate their lives so long after exposure.

Some of the most promising treatments currently undergoing clinical trials include:

Gene therapy involving, of all things a herpes simplex virus
Drug therapy with several drugs
Chemotherapy using a combination of Pemetrexed combined with Cisplatin
Chemotherapy using a combination of Pemetrexed combined with Carboplatin
Chemotherapy using a combination of Gemcitabine combined with Cisplatin with and without a drug called Bevacizumab
Photodynamic therapy that works by injecting a drug that makes cells sensitive to light of a specific wavelength then, during surgery directing that light onto the cells
Immunotherapy, again using gene therapy to improve genetic immune responses

If you suspect you have mesothelioma, or have already been diagnosed with this deadly disease, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Parker, Dumler & Kiely, LLP for a free consultation.

posted by Patti at 2:55 PM

Friday, February 6, 2009

Asbestos Usage in the United States

Most of the focus on asbestos exposure and usage is on workers exposed through mining, manufacturing, and other occupations. Yet, many people are continuously exposed to asbestos through normal daily activities.

Asbestos is found in many water supplies, and must be filtered to below the minimum number of particles per milliliter set by regulations. These particles enter the water from air and dirt, as well as from cement piping, which contains asbestos.

Asbestos is no longer used in manufacturing most consumer products. Its use is restricted to construction-related products and friction products, such as brake linings and clutch pads. Any product containing asbestos is required to be clearly labeled as containing such.

Probably the greatest risk to consumers from asbestos in older homes and buildings where asbestos was used in textured paint, as a fire retardant for ceilings, insulation, wall board, countertops, flooring, carpet padding and insulation around heaters, pipes and electrical wiring.

Asbestos was also used in many products prior to the 1970s including hair dryers, home appliances (especially those using heat), electric blankets, and protective gear such as potholders, safety clothing, and other insulation or fire-retardant fabrics.

While the use of asbestos is on the decline, the number of cases of asbestos-caused diseases is increasing. These diseases take forty or more years to develop and the generation most heavily exposed is presenting with an increasing number of cases.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease you might be entitled to damages. Please contact the lawyers experienced in mesothelioma claims at Parker, Dumler, & Kiely, LLP, the Mesothelioma Lawyers serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

posted by Patti at 2:54 PM