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Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by inhalation of or exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is made from fiberous minerals, and was used in brake shoes, gaskets, electrical insulation, thermal insulation, fire proofing materials and floor tiles, as well as many other industrial products. Although new uses of six types of asbestos products were banned in 1989, many buildings built before 1989 still contain asbestos products, and many companies still work with the product.

People contract mesothelioma when materials containing asbestos are disturbed. Asbestos is most often disturbed when buildings are demolished or remodeled. The asbestos dust and fibers enter a person’s lungs and cause cancerous cells on the lining inside the body that protects internal organs. These cells lead to cancerous tumors. Asbestos dust can be transported on clothes, inside vehicles and by many other means. Mesothelioma can also be contracted if asbestos is swallowed. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling and pain, and coughing.

In fact, asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. People involved in mining and transporting asbestos are most at risk. Others most at risk include people who work at plants that manufacture asbestos products, construction and maintenance workers, auto mechanics, insulators, ship mechanics and steel workers. Bystanders, or people who work with those most at risk, often are exposed as well. Also, people who live and work in towns were asbestos is mined are at risk, as well as people who frequent old buildings containing asbestos products and those who wear asbestos clothing. It is important to note that mesothelioma does not often show up for more than 20 years after exposure takes place. Injury attorneys are well versed in the risks and consequences of working with or being exposed to asbestos, and they can inform you of your rights and help you file personal injury claims.

Mesothelioma is divided into two categories: malignant mesothelioma and benign-fiberous mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that forms after multiple, sustained exposures to asbestos. Many cancerous tumors form after 20 to 50 years of exposure to asbestos. Surgery is the most common treatment for cancerous tumors. However, cancerous tumors can metastasize, or spread, making radiation and chemotherapy options for therapy. Benign-fiberous mesothelioma is a non-cancerous tumor that affects the pleura, or the lining of the lungs. This non-cancerous tumor increases in size until it greatly affects breathing.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by first taking X-rays to determine the level of fluid build-up or the existence of a tumor. Doctors then take a sample of fluid or tissue to study. It often takes a few days to determine the results. Mesothelioma is treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Mesothelioma is a costly, painful illness. Personal injury lawyers can answer any questions you have about asbestos and mesothelioma, and they can help you determine who is responsible and what compensation you are entitled to.

Zometa is prescribed to patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy and multiple myeloma and bone metastases of solid tumors. While both diseases are usually fatal, Zometa increases life-expectancy and treats many of the symptoms. Zometa increases a patient’s risk of kidney failure and can cause severe birth defects and injuries or death to an unborn baby.

What are some important things I should know about Zometa?

Zometa is in the FDA’s pregnancy category D, which indicates that injury or death to unborn or nursing babies is extremely likely.

Zometa is prescribed to patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy and multiple myeloma and bone metastases of solid tumors.

Hypercalcemia in malignancy usually develops suddenly and is often associated with breast and lung cancer and multiple myeloma. It often has a poor prognosis, with estimated survival time of a median of six weeks.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cell, and while it is incurable, it is treatable. The plasma cell is an important part of the immune system that helps fight disease. Tumors will grow and spreads to the cavities of all large bones in the body, which is why the disease is called “multiple” myeloma.

Zometa can cause kidney damage and failure, as well as severe injury or death to unborn or nursing babies. Zometa can also cause severe allergic reactions and dangerous drug interactions. Patients taking Zometa have also experienced:

• fever
• chills
• bone pain
• flu-like symptoms
• rash
• chest pain

Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. You should use at least two forms of birth control while taking Zometa and refrain from becoming pregnant for several months after stopping Zometa. Also, contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of face, mouth, or throat
• hives
• rash
• abdominal pain
• difficulty urinating
• urinating blood

Parlodel is designed to treat a number of illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease, certain tumors, menstrual problems, and abnormal milk leakage. Parlodel can also treat overproduction of the growth hormone. Parlodel works by blocking a hormone from getting to the pituitary gland, and by stimulating parts of the brain and nervous system that affect Parkinson’s patients.

What are some important things I should know about Parlodel?

Parlodel should only be used after the patient, along with his or her doctor, weigh the possible benefits of the drug against the possible harmful side effects. Parlodel can cause serious injury or death, including heart attack, stroke and seizure. Parlodel should not be used for women who have nursing babies or women who just had a baby, or people who have a mental illness or history of mental illness. Parlodel also should not be used for people with untreated high blood pressure.

• certain menstrual problems
• abnormal milk leakage
• infertility because of overproduction of prolactin
• Parkinson’s disease
• acromegaly, or overproduction of the growth hormone
• pituitary gland tumors

Parlodel is NOT for patients with untreated high blood pressure, allergies to the ingredients in Parlodel, or pregnant and nursing patients.

Parlodel can lead to high blood pressure, especially in women who have just had babies, which can lead to strokes, heart attack and seizures. Parlodel should not be used in women who have nursing babies as it stops them from producing milk. Parlodel can also make certain mental conditions worse, so tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental illness.

Signs of high blood pressure and the serious injuries it leads to, including allergic reactions, include:

• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• fainting or dizziness
• severe headache
• vision problems, including blindness
• nausea
• constipation
• vomiting
• swelling of the face, mouth and tongue
• hives
• rash
• wheezing