Submitted by DonnaH on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 06:44
(NOTE: I've made an effort to separate out the websites that are maintained by law firms. I've tried to stay with sites that provide good information on the disease, and while there may be information about the lawsuits and links available from some of the sites I've listed, clicking on those links will be the reader's choice. I know there is a great deal of controversy regarding the suits, and it's not my intent to push that information.)
From Wikipedia:
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the heart,[1] the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis.
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma.[2] Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases risk of other asbestos-induced cancer.[3] Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).
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The American Cancer Society's page on mesothelioma. This links to their overview and detailed guide.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2x.asp?sitearea=&dt=29
The Mayo Clinic looks at this disease. There are several pages devoted to it, including symptoms, tests/diagnosis, treatment, etc.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779
Asbestos.com maintains a very large site that is full of good information about mesothelioma. They also have a large section devoted to veterans suffering from the disease. Plan on spending some time here.
http://www.asbestos.com/
MD Anderson's section on the disease. They also offer information about their clinical trials.
http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-informat...
About.com has several pages on the disease and links to related/recommended reading.
http://cancer.about.com/od/mesothelioma/a/mesosymptoms.htm
WebMD maintains a large set of informational pages and links.
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/mesothelioma-treatment-patient-informatio...
Oncolink, which is associated with the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, has quite a bit of information available.
http://www.oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?c=9&s=32&ss=249&id=8411
Cancer Monthly maintains the Surviving Mesothelioma website and also provides information, a monthly newsletter, and a free patient's guide.
http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/
CancerNet, oncologist approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, has an outstanding set of pages devoted to mesothelioma
http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma websites with information on the disease that are maintained by law firms:
MesoLink.org is a site created to provide you with up to date information on the deadly disease Mesothelioma. We strive to provide the most complete overview of the disease and all aspects of it. (NOTE: This site is sponsored by a law firm, so please take that in to account.)
http://www.mesolink.org/
Mesothelioma.com is another site with a great deal of information including the types, stages and treatment options
http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma.htm
Asbestos News: Information and Options for those suffering from Mesothelioma
http://www.asbestosnews.com/
The mission of All About Malignant Mesothelioma is to provide a one-stop resource for comprehensive, up-to-date mesothelioma information. We cover the full scope of malignant mesothelioma issues including background, history, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
http://www.allaboutmalignantmesothelioma.com/
Two sites with a great deal of helpful information. Both of these websites are sponsored by the same law firm.
Mesothelioma Aid
http://www.mesothelioma-aid.org/
Mesothelioma Web
http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/
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Foundations, Organizations, Blogs, Forums, Email lists, Videos, Patient Stories
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: The Meso Foundation is the national organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease by:
* funding the highest quality and most promising research projects from around the world through our rigorous peer-reviewed process;
* helping patients connect with national mesothelioma experts and obtain the most up-to-date information on treatment options;
* and advocating in Washington D.C. for federal mesothelioma research funding to stop this national tragedy.
http://www.curemeso.org/site/c.kkLUJ7MPKtH/b.3079989/k.CA58/About_Us.htm
Blog For A Cure has a couple of active mesothelioma blogs.
http://www.blogforacure.com/frontend/weblogs/listing.php?type=Mesothelio...
Thoughts from a Mesothelioma Patient
http://www.oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?c=9&s=32&ss=254&id=1744
Mailing list maintained by ACOR (Association of Cancer Online Resources)
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/mesothelioma.html
Cancer Survivor's Network is an online community, part of the American Cancer Society, is designed for cancer survivors and their families and friends.
http://csn.cancer.org/
Gilda's Club is a resource that provides emotional and social support for cancer patients and caregivers. They do have a link available for more information on mesothelioma.
http://www.gildasclub.org/
http://www.gildasclub.org/res_meso.asp
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Selections from Amazon:
100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma, Second Edition (Paperback)
Harvey I. Pass (Author)John A. Dingell (Author)
100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma
They Said Months. I Chose Years! A Mesothelioma Survivor's Story (Perfect Paperback)
by J.R. O'Connor (Author)
They Said Months. I Chose Years! A Mesothelioma Survivor's Story
Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide (Paperback)
by Paul Kraus
Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide
Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma (Paperback)
by Howard A. Gutman (Author)
Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma
2009 Conquering Asbestos, Asbestosis, and Mesothelioma - The Empowered Patient's Complete Reference - Diagnosis, Treatment Options, Prognosis (Two CD-ROM Set) (CD-ROM)
by PM Medical Health News (Author)
2009 Conquering Asbestos, Asbestosis, and Mesothelioma
