Mesothelioma Biopsy Results Dependent on CT

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Admin

New Findings Suggest Mesothelioma Biopsy May Be Too Dependent on CT Results, Reports Surviving Mesothelioma UK researchers say it may be time to â??re-evaluateâ? the reliance on CT scans to determine which suspected pleural cancer patients should get biopsies. Raleigh, NC – August 06 -  Scientists at two tertiary referral centers are suggesting that CT scans may not be accurate enough as a means of deciding whether to perform a surgical biopsy in patients with a suspected pleural cancer like mesothelioma. Click here to read Surviving Mesotheliomaâ??s newly-posted articleon the study. Doctors with Oxford University and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in Preston, UK, compared CT results with actual biopsy results in 370 patients suspected of having a respiratory cancer like pleural mesothelioma.They say CT alone may not be enough to determine who should get a definitive answer through surgery. Lead researcher Dr. Rob Hallifax of Oxford writes, â??A signific ant proportion of patients being investigated for malignant disease will have malignancy despite a negative CT report.â? Mesothelioma Biopsy Results The report in the journal Thorax found that CT was 68% accurate in correctly identifying malignancies and 78% accurate in determining which patients did not have cancer. â??CT is a major part of the diagnostic process for malignant pleural mesothelioma, but this study suggests that it should not be the only means of deciding which patients should undergo surgical biopsy,â? says Surviving Mesothelioma Managing Editor Alex Strauss. Biopsy is currently the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma. To read the full article on the study and its conclusions, see Do Mesothelioma Doctors Rely Too Much on CT? now available on the Surviving Mesothelioma website. Hallifax, RJ et al, â??Role of CT in assessing pleura l malignant prior to thoracoscopyâ?, July 30, 2014, Thorax, Epub ahead of print, http://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2014/07/30/thoraxjnl-2014-206054.short For nearly ten years, Surviving Mesothelioma has brought readers the most important and ground-breaking news on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. All Surviving Mesothelioma news is gathered and reported directly from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Written for patients and their loved ones, Surviving Mesothelioma news helps families make more informed decisions. Contact Information Michael Ellis Cancer Monthly http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com +1 (919) 570-8595

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***SPAM*** AG Files Lawsuit against Resident

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Admin

AGâ??s Office Files Lawsuit against Acushnet Resident Massachusetts – The office of the Attorney General said on Wednesday that it has recently filed a lawsuit against Ronald Oliveira, an Acushnet resident, for failing to remove shingles made with asbestos properly from the properties that were being renovated by him. For each of the violations committed, the suit filed against Oliveira is seeking approximately US$25000 per day. According to the office of the Attorney General, Oliveira violated the state Clean Air Act. The complaint says Oliveira did not follow essential safety precautions and adequate procedures while cleaning up asbestos material from 3 homes in New Bedford during the renovations between 2009 September and 2011 April. â??The spreading of debris containing asbestos in a housing neighborhood is a disgusting public health risk to workers and residents,â? said Mr. Kenneth Kimmell, the Commissioner of MA Department of Environmental Protectio n (DEP). The lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday in Suffolk County Superior Court, accuses that in 2009 September, contractors of Oliveira cleaned asbestos shingles using a high-powered pressure washer, blowing asbestos fibers into the air and ground. During a renovation on Weld Street in year 2011, Oliveiraâ??s contractors covered the shingles with vinyl siding and then drilled through them for installing heating vents, emitting fibers of asbestos into the surroundings, the suit states. A 3rd renovation carried out on Harmony St in 2011 March saw debris from asbestos shingles being dropped by contractors from the 3rd floor of the building down to the ground, the complaint filed by office of the Attorney General says. In addition, the complaint says that Oliveira and the contractors under him failed to properly remove the asbestos shingles before the renovation and to maintain enough wetness for preventing asbestos fibers to be released into the air. Furthermore, Olive ira allegedly failed to cover, seal or label containers with fragments of asbestos shingles at the time of renovation, the office of the Attorney General alleges. Asbestos is a notorious carcinogen and so a highly regulated substance as well. Federal and state regulations have to be strictly followed during any renovation project that involves asbestos. Violation of these regulations could result in fines and imprisonment. Proper removal of asbestos is mandatory prior to the renovation of any asbestos-containing buildings. Authorities should be informed about the work as well. Oliveira was not available for comment either through phone or via email.

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Asbestos Building Renovation Collapses

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Admin

A $22 million renovation plan for the Lincoln Alliance Building collapsed because of asbestos problem. Now the destiny of the historic building is uncertain. According to the buyers, they were not informed regarding the amount of asbestos present in the building at 181-187 E. Main St. They say removing the dangerous material will cost in excess of $2 million. But the seller says it is just a fabricated and overstated excuse for providing an out for a fiscally inept development team. Doug Sutherland, the owner of Franklin Properties, a Syracuse-based development company, said they do not have a project. City Council had granted a low-interest loan of $3 million for Sutherland and his partner Patrick Dutton to start the work. But the money was not disbursed because the deal in no way closed. Sutherland said they needed an addition $2 million. Per the purchase agreement, Conifer Alliance, the seller, has the onus to reveal the asbestos issue, Sutherland said. â??It did not happen, w hatever may be the reason,â? Sutherland said. Asbestos is a deadly substance that can cause diseases like lung cancer and asbestosis. Renovation is possible only after removing the substance because it can be more dangerous if disturbed.

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2014 Mesothelioma Conference

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Admin

October Events: Regional Conference on Mesothelioma in Chicago The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation), in collaboration with The University of Chicago Medicine, announced that on October 10th it will host a, one-day, regional conference at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, bringing together area experts in the field of mesothelioma and making them accessible to attendees. Alexandria, VA – July 31 – On October 10, at the Palmer House Hilton hotel in Chicago, Illinois, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Chicago Medicine, will host a one-day regional mesothelioma conference geared to patients and family members, covering a variety of topics related to mesothelioma and presented by local and regional experts. Some of the covered topics will include imaging, genetics, first-line therapies, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, novel treatments, stem cells, immunotherapy, and resour ces available to mesothelioma patients and their families. 2014 Mesothelioma Conference Speakers include: Samuel Armato, PhD, The University of Chicago Medicine Christopher Straus, MD, The University of Chicago Medicine Jane Churpek, MD, The University of Chicago Medicine Funmi Olopade, MD, The University of Chicago Medicine Lee Krug, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Wickii Vigneswaran, MD, The University of Chicago Medicine David Sugarbaker, MD, Baylor College of Medicine Jason Foster, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center Brian Loggie, MD, Creighton University Medical Center Kiran Turaga, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin Richard Alexander, MD, University of Maryland Medical Center Renuka Malik, MD, The University of Chicago Medicine Ravi Salgia, MD, The University of Chicago Medicine Hedy Kindler, MD, The University of Chicago Medicine Faris Farassati, MD, University of Kansas Medical Center Tobias Peikert, MD, Mayo Clinic M ary Hesdorffer, APRN, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Sue Armato Melinda Kotzian, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation More information and registration is available at http://www.curemeso.org/chicago. The Meso Foundation is also the host of an annual symposium, taking place in March of every year in the Washington, DC area, and another regional conference in Philadelphia in September. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. Medical experts consider it one of the most aggressive and deadly of all cancers. An estimated one-third of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed while serving in the Navy or working in shipyards. ABOUT THE MESOTHELIOMA APPLIED RESEARCH FOUNDATION The Meso Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by this cancer. The Meso Foundation actively seeks philanthropic support to fund peer-reviewed mesothelioma research; provide patient support services and education; and advocate Congress for increased federal funding for mesothelioma research. The Meso Foundation is the only non-government funder of peer reviewed scientific research to establish effective treatments for mesothelioma and, ultimately, a cure for this extremely aggressive cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $8.7 million to research. More information is available at http://www.curemeso.org. Contact Information Maja Belamaric Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation http://www.curemeso.org/ +1 7038793822

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Innovative Approaches To Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Admin

Expert Shares Insights During MesotheliomaHelp.org Live Web Chat Dr. Marcelo DaSilva, Director of the International Midwest Mesothelioma Program at the Cardinal Bernadine Cancer Center, discussed innovative approaches to mesothelioma treatment during the May 27 â??Ask the Nurseâ? series event. New York, NY – May 30 – A discussion with nationally recognized mesothelioma expert Dr. Marcelo DaSilva highlighted the most recent â??Ask the Nurseâ? series live chat hosted by MesotheliomaHelp.org. â??We are passionate about mesothelioma care, but mesothelioma, as we all know, is a dreadful disease; but we have hope, we have ways to treat those patients,â? Dr. DaSilva said during the May 27 live-streamed event, which featured a discussion of the progress being made in developing effective and innovative approaches to treatment. â??I think the future of mesothelioma patients is bright.â? The discussion can be viewed in full at the â??Ask the Nurseâ? section of the MesotheliomaHelp.org website. The series is a part of the websiteâ??s ongoing efforts to provide mesothelioma patients and their caregivers with accurate advice, access to treatment and other forms of support. Dr. DaSilva is Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, and Director of the International Midwest Mesothelioma Program at the Cardinal Bernadine Cancer Center. He is also a co-director of the Bernadine Centerâ??s Lung Cancer Program and Professor of Medicine at Loyola Universityâ??s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago. Mesothelioma Treatment Options Additional topics covered in Dr. DaSilvaâ??s May 27 Web chat included: An overview of Dr. DaSilvaâ??s pleural and abdominal mesothelioma programs Early diagnosis of mesothelioma among patients who have been exposed to asbestos Mesothelioma symptoms Factors that determine treatment plans Outreach efforts to community agencies. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer th at typically attacks the linings of chest and abdominal organs, particularly the lungs. The only known cause of the disease is exposure to asbestos, a compound once widely used in construction and insulation. Lisa Hyde-Barrett and Eleanor (â??Ellieâ?) B. Ericson, both registered nurses with extensive experience working with mesothelioma patients, hosted the wide-ranging discussion with Dr. DaSilva. They are the regular hosts of the â??Ask the Nurseâ? series. Barrett is a thoracic surgery nurse with 25 years of experience and is the resident expert for MesotheliomaHelp.org. Ericson has worked at the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Brigham and Womenâ??s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, since 1985. The two also run the support service website, TheMesoNurse.com. A Frequently Asked Questions section on mesothelioma and links to earlier â??Ask the Nurseâ? broadcasts can be found at the MesotheliomaHelp.org site. About MesotheliomHelp.org Founded in 2013, Mesothel iomaHelp.org is an online community dedicated to serving mesothelioma patients and their caregivers. MesotheliomaHelp.org provides accurate, up-to-date information about the disease, research summaries, blogs and links to resources, including access to specialists and treatment centers, financial and legal advice, nutrition and lifestyle information and advocacy resources. The site hosts an â??Ask the Nurseâ? video series based on live web chats. For more information and a free mesothelioma information kit, submit the siteâ??scontact form or call (212) 681-1575. Contact Information Katie Johnson Consultwebs.com www.consultwebs.com +1 (602) 781-4820

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Developer Sentenced for Illegal Asbestos

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Admin

A developer who had been accused of allowing an unauthorized contractor to tear down a structure during the redevelopment of a Sweet Home sawmill has admitted guilty in federal court. The defendant Dan Deslerâ??s actions had caused asbestos fibers to be released into the surroundings of a residential area. Following Deslerâ??s work, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had declared the area as a â??Superfund siteâ?. The agency then spent US$1.6 M for cleaning up in excess of 4 M pounds of asbestos, a notorious carcinogen that was widely used for construction purposes until the 1980s. In his plea deal, the defendant was sentenced on Wednesday in a United States federal court to make reimbursement for the asbestos cleanup conducted by the EPA. Dan Desler was a trustâ??s managing trustee and the trust had been given the site of former Willamette Industries, which is not in use for a long time. There were some plans to develop around 400-600 acres with an upscale housing, a complex intended for artists, anglers and hunters for reasonably priced housing. However, nothing became a reality. Deslerâ??s sentencing also includes probation for 3 years and community service for 300 hours. Desler is 68 years old. The sawmill asset included a few structures in different disrepair stages. In year 2004, a fire was caused by a transient that struck a number of buildings. Firefighters informed state regulators regarding the debris, which seemed to contain dangerous asbestos material. Oregon DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) informed Desler regarding the presence of asbestos. After that, Desler hired an authorized contractor to remove asbestos. However, the work wasnâ??t finished in any undamaged structures, according to the indictment. After 3 years, Desler hired another contractor who was not licensed to handle asbestos. The contractor carried out work for 8 months during which asbestos-containing products were crushed and chip ped. Asbestos is a very dangerous substance when it is broken as its fibers become airborne then. Inhalation of these fibers may cause diseases like mesothelioma, an incurable cancer. The worksite was very close to a residential area. Huge piles of ACMs (asbestos-containing material) were left open. Amanda Marshall, the United States Attorney, said in the sentencing memo that Dan Desler adopted short cuts, which caused large quantities of asbestos to be released into the air. His acts not only contaminated the facility, but polluted the complete surrounding neighborhood as well, the sentencing memorandum says.

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Radiotherapy Technique Effective for Mesothelioma Patients

Posted on February 4, 2017 by Admin

Study Finds New Radiotherapy Technique More Effective and Safer for Some Mesothelioma Patients New research suggests that an advanced targeted radiotherapy technique called volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) may beat other types of conformal radiotherapy for certain patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Raleigh, NC – January 24 – Japanese cancer researchers say targeted VMAT treatment in patients who have had mesothelioma surgery may result in lower radiation doses and fewer side effects than other treatments. Surviving Mesothelioma has just posted an article on the new research on itâ??s website. Radiation oncologists with Japanâ??s Hiroshima University analyzed the cases of 15 mesothelioma patients treated with VMAT after lung-removing surgery. Lead researcher Dr. Tomoki Kimura writes, â??VMAT appears to be relatively safe for patients with MPM after EPP because of the low pulmonary dose.â? The report, published in the Journal of Radiation Research, showed that more than half of VMAT patients experienced no growth of their mesothelioma tumors during the year of follow-up and no one died because of the treatment. â??Although we know that targeted radiotherapy can improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients, side effects can be significant and debilitating,â? says Surviving Mesotheliomaâ??s Managing Editor, Alex Strauss. â??This study suggests that, at least for some of these patients, VMAT may be a better option.â? For details of the new study, including which mesothelioma patients may be the best candidates for VMAT, see Targeted Radiotherapy Technique May Beat IMRT for Some Mesothelioma Patients now available on the Surviving Mesothelioma website. Kimura, Tomoki et al, â??Clinical experience of volumetric modulated arc therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma after extrapleural pneumonectomyâ?, January 18, 2015, Epub ahead of print, jrr.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/01/18/jrr.rru102.short?rss=1 For nearly ten years, Surviving Mesothelioma has brought readers the most important and ground-breaking news on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. All Surviving Mesothelioma news is gathered and reported directly from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Written for patients and their loved ones, Surviving Mesothelioma news helps families make more informed decisions. Contact Information Michael Ellis Cancer Monthy survivingmesothelioma.com (919) 570-8595

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Man supposedly suffering from an asbestos-linked lung cancer

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Admin

Vera Perry, an Orange County (Texas) resident, has recently filed a petition for perpetuating the testimony of a man who is supposedly suffering from an asbestos-linked lung cancer. Vera Perryâ??s petition was filed through Keith Hyde, a Provost Umphrey lawyer, on 12th March in the Jefferson County Dist. Court. Chevron USA is the expected defendant company in this pending lawsuit. According to Vera Perryâ??s petition, Mayo Perry is suffering from an asbestos-related lung cancer that is believed to advance and to prove deadly. However, Veraâ??s petition doesnâ??t clearly specify when Mayo Perry was diagnosed with the terminal cancer. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which occurs usually in soil and rock. The material is strong enough to withstand extremely high temperatures, wear and chemical attacks. Due to its properties such as strength and fire, heat & corrosion resistance, asbestos had been once used widely in a number of construction materials as an insulator and fir e-retardant. The material was also used in many other products and in almost all industries. It was used in construction materials such as roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, cement, joining compounds, paper products etc.; friction products such as automobile brake, clutch and different transmission parts. Asbestos was also used in packaging, fabrics, coatings and gaskets. High levels of airborne asbestos fibers can take place when materials containing asbestos are disturbed or broken by sanding, cutting or any other activities. Improper efforts for removing such materials could result in release of dangerous asbestos fibres into the surroundings, endangering the health of those living in or passing through the area. Inhalation of these microscopic fibres has been found to cause serious respiratory problems and fatal diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural effusion and pleural plaque. When the hazards of asbestos became known, public became concerned regarding the presence of the substance in schools, offices and in many products that they have to deal with regularly. The concern led to a sharp decline in the use of the material since the 1980s. Now-a-days asbestos is not used as a construction material. The petition asks for testimony of Mayo regarding his career as well as his exposure to asbestos fibers. It requests the federal court to authorize the deposition of Mayo Perry. Honorable Donald J. Floyd, the judge of the 172nd Civil Dist. Court, will preside over the case. Edited By Dhons Twoey

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Mesothelioma Survival Rates May Double

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Admin

In an article just published in the Toronto Star, a revolutionary new mesothelioma cancer treatment offers asbestos cancer victims new hope. Doctors John Cho and Dr. Marc de Perrot have announced a new medical technique that seems to have more than doubled survival rates in mesothelioma patients. One example given was the story of Hong Chang 74, who is a former Ontario Hydro mechanic. He was exposed to asbestos dust over 20 years ago and later diagnosed with mesothelioma 14 years ago. The new medical technique developed at Princess Margaret would seem to be responible for him beating the odds that are clearly shown on our site, Mesothelioma Survival Rate. <h3>Mesothelioma Survival Rates</h3> Mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive forms of lung cancer and the general opinion is that most people don’t even last two years. In Chan’s case he has been cancer-free for almost five years. Reports say doctors at the Minnesota branch of Mayo Clinic in Rochester ar e considering trying the new method. The new approach gives patients radiation before lung surgery and not after it. The technique is called SMART or Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy. Data indicates three-year survival rates have almost quadrupled, from 32 per cent to 72 per cent. Mesothelioma treatment article

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Window Removal Raises Asbestos Concerns

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Admin

North Brookfield – According to school officials, windows’ replacement at the elementary will start on Friday, even though there are concerns of asbestos removal in the window caulk during school time. John Provost, the School Superintendent, said every window in the building will be replaced as part of the $500,000 project. According to Provost, present windows will be replaced with new with energy-efficient windows with standard latex caulk. Allison White, an elementary student’s parent, said she has been concerned since she received a notice last week. She is not happy with the unwillingness of town officials to postpone the project until summer break. “For officials, it’s all about money. It is really unbelievable that they are keen to put money ahead of our children’s s afety, even though the risk is minimal,” Mrs. White said.

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