Lungs Cancer

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The principal function of the lungs is the exchange of gases between the air we breathe and the blood. Through the lung, carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and oxygen from inspired air enters the bloodstream. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung is divided into two lobes and a small structure called the lingula that is the equivalent of the middle lobe. The major airways entering the lungs are the bronchi, which arise from the trachea. The bronchi branch into progressively smaller airways called bronchioles that end in tiny sacs known as alveoli where gas exchange occurs. The lungs and chest wall are covered with a thin layer of tissue called the pleura.

Lung cancers can arise in any part of the lung, but 90-95 percent of cancers of the lung are thought to arise from the epithelial, or lining cells of the larger and smaller airways (bronchi and bronchioles) for this reason, lung cancers are sometimes called bronchogenic carcinomas or bronchogenic cancers. Cancers can also arise from the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that surrounds the lungs), called mesotheliomas, or rarely from supporting tissues within the lungs, for example, blood vessels.

Mesothelioma Surgery

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The following surgeries may be used for mesothelioma treatment:
  • Wide local excision
  • Pleurectomy and decortication
  • Extrapleural pneumonectomy
  • Pleurodesis.
Wide Local Excision
Wide local excision involves surgery to remove the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it.

Pleurectomy and Decortication

This type of surgery removes part of the covering of the lungs and lining of the chest and part of the outside surface of the lungs.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy

With a pneumonectomy, one whole lung and part of the lining of the chest, the diaphragm, and the lining of the sac around the heart are removed.

Pleurodesis

A pleurodesis is a surgical procedure that uses chemicals or drugs to make a scar in the space between the layers of the pleura. Fluid is first drained from the space using a catheter or chest tube and the chemical or drug is put into the space. The scarring stops the buildup of fluid in the pleural cavity.

Other Mesothelioma Surgery Information

Even if the doctor removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the surgery, some patients may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery for mesothelioma treatment. These additional treatments are used to kill any cancer cells that are left. Mesothelioma treatment given after surgery, to increase the chances of a cure, is called adjuvant therapy.

Mesothelioma Settlements

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There are three different kinds of mesothelioma settlements that you can choose from when filing your case. Learn more about the three classes of asbestos-related settlements: out of court settlements, class action settlements and claims made through an established settlement trust.

Hundreds of thousands of mesothelioma settlements have been resolved in the past few decades. Ever since the first asbestos cancer-related lawsuit was filed in the late 1920's, more than 700,000 lawsuit cases have been filed against about 6,000 companies. This should not be surprising considering how 10,000 people die annually from diseases related to asbestos exposure.

One of the most problematic characteristics about mesothelioma is that health problems do not usually start to manifest until years, even decades (often 20 - 40 years), after the initial exposure. However, there is some tinge of hope for those affected by mesothelioma or other asbestos-induced cancers. Those diagnosed with asbestos-related illness have a number of legal options for mesothelioma settlements. Here are the common types of mesothelioma settlements:

Out of Court Settlement

Out of court mesothelioma settlements are very common. Once a plaintiff files a lawsuit, the defendant may opt to negotiate through an out of court settlement to save the time and money required with a trial. With the volume of asbestos claims and the compounding evidence proving the hazards of asbestos, many companies find it reasonable to settle outside of the court system for their best interests. If the amount of the first settlement seems not fair and just, or if the defendant is resistant to an out of court settlement, the case can then be taken to trial. Out of court mesothelioma settlements negotiated during the course of the trial are also quite common.

Class Action Settlement

This happens when a large-scale lawsuit is filed on behalf of a group of people, usually against a common company. A class action mesothelioma settlement has its own advantages and disadvantages. Because of the large group of claimants, it is almost always easy to get an out of court settlement. However, you can't exercise any form of control over the direction that the case is heading, and the lawyer will not answer to you directly. Moreover, after receiving compensation, you will usually be restricted from claiming additional compensation later on, should further health problems manifest.

Claims through a Settlement Trust

Many companies with pending asbestos lawsuits have declared bankruptcy. If you are filing a lawsuit against such a company, you will be required to file a claim through a settlement trust in order to get compensation. There will be no court visits or medical experts needed, but with mesothelioma settlements of this nature, you can only get anywhere from 5 to 15% of the actual amount of your claim.

It is important that you consult and hire the services of an experienced lawyer specializing in mesothelioma settlements to increase your chances of getting a quick and fair compensation.


What is mesothelioma?

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Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, often presenting with symptoms in the chest area. Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common. This can effect the organs in the abdomen, and its symptoms are related to this area of the body, that is, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma, which involves the sac surrounding the heart.

There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, epithelial and sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases, it portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. This so-called benign mesothelioma can be cured surgically.

Mesothelioma Treatment

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Like most cancers, mesothelioma is best treated when it is diagnosed early. Treatment depends on the location of the tumor, how far it has spread, and your age and general health. Whatever the stage of mesothelioma, there are several types of treatments can be used.

Treatments for mesothelioma include the following:

* Surgery (removal of the tumor)


* Chemotherapy (using medications to kill several cancer cells)


* Radiation therapy (using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells)

Currently, no standard therapy exists for mesothelioma. Often the traditional treatments are used in combination.

Because mesothelioma is difficult to treat, several new therapies are being evaluated currently. They include the following:

* Photodynamic therapy


* Immunotherapy


* Gene therapy
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