Smoking is a major risk factor for disease. When coupled with asbestos exposure, smoking can greatly increase the risk of developing asbestos lung cancer. It is not a risk factor for mesothelioma.
Smoking weakens the lungs, contributing to the negative health effects of asbestos exposure. Smoking alone can cause lung cancer. Asbestos exposure alone can also cause lung cancer. Taken together, asbestos and smoking multiply the risk of lung cancer significantly (a “synergistic” effect). Studies in the science of epidemiology confirm that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure creates a risk of cancer much higher than just adding the risks together.
Not smoking is an important aspect of preventing disease. Evidence suggests that asbestos–exposed workers who quit smoking can reduce their risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 50% within five years of quitting (National Cancer Institute, Asbestos Fact Sheet). It is never too late to quit smoking. If you are a smoker, see the effects of nicotine addiction and Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking for more details.
Kamis, 03 November 2011
Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Information
The Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer website provides mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer patients, their families and friends with up-to-date information about asbestos, lung cancer, and mesothelioma cancer. We have gathered the latest information on mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma symptoms, what causes mesothelioma, mesothelioma diagnosis, and mesothelioma treatments such as Alimta. You will also find vital information on methodes of coping with the personal and financial effects of a mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer diagnosis, which can be devastating without the proper preparation.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer. Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs. Pleural mesothelioma or cancer of the lung lining is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma is stomach lining cancer and is the next most common form of mesothelioma.
The onset of mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer is usually very slow, and the most commonly noted mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain and pain in the lower back. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing, coughing, weight loss and fever.
Since the disease progresses quickly, it is very important that one obtains medical treatment as soon as possible. Our Mesothelioma Treatment Options section lists mesothelioma doctors and hospitals across the United States. In our Coping Strategy section we outline what to do to obtain financial assistance. Our Articles & News section has many mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer news and medical articles about treatments options and new medications.
Mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. See our What Caused Mesothelioma section for exposure history and a list of hazardous jobs.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer. Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs. Pleural mesothelioma or cancer of the lung lining is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma is stomach lining cancer and is the next most common form of mesothelioma.The onset of mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer is usually very slow, and the most commonly noted mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain and pain in the lower back. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing, coughing, weight loss and fever.
Since the disease progresses quickly, it is very important that one obtains medical treatment as soon as possible. Our Mesothelioma Treatment Options section lists mesothelioma doctors and hospitals across the United States. In our Coping Strategy section we outline what to do to obtain financial assistance. Our Articles & News section has many mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer news and medical articles about treatments options and new medications.
Mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. See our What Caused Mesothelioma section for exposure history and a list of hazardous jobs.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Explained
Most asbestos lung cancer starts in the lining of the bronchi, the tubes into which the trachea or windpipe divides. However, asbestos lung cancer can also begin in other areas such as the trachea, bronchioles (small branches of the bronchi), or alveoli (lung air sacs). Although lung cancer usually develops slowly, once it occurs, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body.
The two most common types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC), in which the cancer cells are small and round, and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in which the cancer cells are larger. Sometimes a cancer has features of both types, and is called mixed small cell/large cell cancer.
Non–small cell lung cancer accounts for almost 80% of lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20% of all lung cancers (American Cancer Society, Lung Cancer). Although the cancer cells are small, they can multiply quickly and form large tumors. The tumors can spread to the lymph nodes and to other organs.
Early–stage asbestos lung cancer may be asymptomatic (without symptoms). The methods used to diagnose asbestos lung cancer include imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm (spit) samples. See Asbestos Lung Cancer Diagnosis.
The two most common types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC), in which the cancer cells are small and round, and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in which the cancer cells are larger. Sometimes a cancer has features of both types, and is called mixed small cell/large cell cancer.
Non–small cell lung cancer accounts for almost 80% of lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20% of all lung cancers (American Cancer Society, Lung Cancer). Although the cancer cells are small, they can multiply quickly and form large tumors. The tumors can spread to the lymph nodes and to other organs.
Early–stage asbestos lung cancer may be asymptomatic (without symptoms). The methods used to diagnose asbestos lung cancer include imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm (spit) samples. See Asbestos Lung Cancer Diagnosis.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a disease in which asbestos fibers cause scarring of the lungs; however, it is not a type of lung cancer. This disease occurs because asbestos fibers are tiny, yet durable; when they are inhaled, the lungs' natural filtration system is unable to eliminate them from the air. As a result, asbestos is able to enter the very sterile inner reaches of the lung cavities. When asbestos fibers become lodged in the interstitium — the area surrounding the lungs' air sacs (alveoli) — the lungs become inflamed, which eventually leads to scarring. The timeline between the moment asbestos enters the lungs and the eventual onset of scarring can be as long as 10 years. Eventually, if enough scarring occurs in the lungs, it will be classified as fibrosis. Asbestosis is fibrosis that forms in the interstitium.
Fibrosis is defined as the development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ. This connective tissue cripples the areas of the lungs that it invades. Thus, when it spreads across large areas of the lungs over time, the lungs lose their ability to function properly. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, the total timeline between exposure to asbestos and the development of large areas of interstitial fibrosis can be as long as 30 or 40 years.
Asbestosis is normally detected with an x-ray showing the large fibrous growths in the lungs. Oftentimes, the initial symptom is difficulty breathing, which may be caused by the fibrous tissue that has formed, or by a pleural effusion (buildup of fluid) caused by the asbestosis. There is no cure for asbestosis, and eventually the fibrous tissue can spread throughout the lungs and make it impossible to breath. A common cause of death related to asbestosis is congestive heart failure, in which the heart becomes overworked in its attempt to push enough blood through the lungs to carry sufficient oxygen to the rest of the body.
Fibrosis is defined as the development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ. This connective tissue cripples the areas of the lungs that it invades. Thus, when it spreads across large areas of the lungs over time, the lungs lose their ability to function properly. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, the total timeline between exposure to asbestos and the development of large areas of interstitial fibrosis can be as long as 30 or 40 years.
Asbestosis is normally detected with an x-ray showing the large fibrous growths in the lungs. Oftentimes, the initial symptom is difficulty breathing, which may be caused by the fibrous tissue that has formed, or by a pleural effusion (buildup of fluid) caused by the asbestosis. There is no cure for asbestosis, and eventually the fibrous tissue can spread throughout the lungs and make it impossible to breath. A common cause of death related to asbestosis is congestive heart failure, in which the heart becomes overworked in its attempt to push enough blood through the lungs to carry sufficient oxygen to the rest of the body.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect several different organs in the body, not just the lungs. When mesothelioma occurs in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma; when it occurs in the heart lining it is called pericardial mesothelioma; and when it occurs in the abdomen it is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is thought to be the primary cause of all three types of mesothelioma.
The timeline between asbestos exposure and the onset of pleural mesothelioma is very long (30 to 40 years). Pleural mesothelioma can be detected by x-rays, but the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma has to be confirmed with a biopsy. The treatments for pleural mesothelioma are similar to other cancers. They include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical removal of the cancerous tissues. However, it is important to note that different types of cancers respond differently to different types of treatments. As a result, a patient's treatment plan is based on his or her individual case. Unfortunately, the disease is very aggressive, and most treatments do not slow its progression. The life expectancy of those diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is less than a year.
The timeline between asbestos exposure and the onset of pleural mesothelioma is very long (30 to 40 years). Pleural mesothelioma can be detected by x-rays, but the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma has to be confirmed with a biopsy. The treatments for pleural mesothelioma are similar to other cancers. They include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical removal of the cancerous tissues. However, it is important to note that different types of cancers respond differently to different types of treatments. As a result, a patient's treatment plan is based on his or her individual case. Unfortunately, the disease is very aggressive, and most treatments do not slow its progression. The life expectancy of those diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is less than a year.
Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of asbestos lung cancer that results from asbestos becoming lodged in the lining of the lung. However, unlike asbestosis, which originates in the lungs, mesothelioma occurs in the serous lining, which is the lining surrounding the outside of the lungs. Another thing that distinguishes mesothelioma from asbestosis is that it leads to the growth of tumors that are malignant (asbestosis leads to the growth of scar tissue, which is benign). This means that the growths in the lungs' serous membranes related to mesothelioma are cancerous, can grow rapidly and can spread to other organs. Asbestosis, on the other hand, does not spread to other organs. When cancer tumors grow and then spread to other organs, this is called metastasis.
Asbestos Lung Cancer
Asbestos lung cancer is a group of diseases related to asbestos exposure. While the term itself is technically incorrect — only one of the diseases belonging to this group (asbestosis) originates in the lungs (and it is not a form of cancer) — it serves as a way of classifying asbestos-related diseases that affect the lungs.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been mined, processed, and used for more than 6,000 years. The two most common diseases related to asbestos lung cancer are asbestosis and mesothelioma, with pleural mesothelioma being the most common form of mesothelioma. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are associated with the inhalation of asbestos and subsequent inflammation caused by the lodging of asbestos in the lungs.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been mined, processed, and used for more than 6,000 years. The two most common diseases related to asbestos lung cancer are asbestosis and mesothelioma, with pleural mesothelioma being the most common form of mesothelioma. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are associated with the inhalation of asbestos and subsequent inflammation caused by the lodging of asbestos in the lungs.
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer There are three main types of NSCLC: adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The most common form is adenocarcinoma, accounting for 40 percent of all NSCLCs. Adenocarcinoma stems from abnormal growth of cells that lines the alveoli. Large cell carcinoma is the least common form of NSCLC and develops in a number of different types of large cells. Squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for 15 to 25 percent of NSCLC cases and is also known as epidermoid carcinoma, begins in the thin, flat squamous cells.
Diagnoses of these NSCLCs depend on the type of cancer cells that are present in the tumor(s), as well as the different manners in which the cancer metastasizes (spreads) and grows. Less common NSCLCs are carcinoid tumor, pleomorphic and salivary gland carcinoma.
Another form of asbestos cancer that is commonly confused with lung cancer, mesothelioma, affects the pleural lining that surrounds the lungs in its most common form, pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, which is directly related to asbestos exposure, is extremely rare—only 2,000 to 3,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. Asbestos-related lung cancer that is not malignant mesothelioma is usually a form of SCLC.
While lung cancer is often thought of as a smoker's disease, smoking is not its only cause. There are a number of risks that may cause lung cancer, including age, smoking, and exposure to asbestos, radon or chemical agents such as Agent Orange or depleted uranium (DU).
Diagnoses of these NSCLCs depend on the type of cancer cells that are present in the tumor(s), as well as the different manners in which the cancer metastasizes (spreads) and grows. Less common NSCLCs are carcinoid tumor, pleomorphic and salivary gland carcinoma.
Another form of asbestos cancer that is commonly confused with lung cancer, mesothelioma, affects the pleural lining that surrounds the lungs in its most common form, pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, which is directly related to asbestos exposure, is extremely rare—only 2,000 to 3,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. Asbestos-related lung cancer that is not malignant mesothelioma is usually a form of SCLC.
While lung cancer is often thought of as a smoker's disease, smoking is not its only cause. There are a number of risks that may cause lung cancer, including age, smoking, and exposure to asbestos, radon or chemical agents such as Agent Orange or depleted uranium (DU).
Age
The likelihood of developing lung cancer increases with age. Few people under the age of 40 are diagnosed. In fact, most lung cancer diagnoses occur in people who are 45 or older, with a large number of those being 65 or older. Asbestos cancers have a long latency period, so most people aren't diagnosed until 20 to 40 or more years after exposure.
Smoking
Smoking is the most obvious risk of lung cancer. In short, the more cigarettes a person smokes, the more likely their chance of developing lung cancer. Long-time smokers who stop smoking, however, can reduce their chance of developing the disease. Some non-smokers can even develop the disease through second-hand exposure.
Asbestos Exposure
Workers involved in manufacturing, milling, mining or the installation and handling of asbestos products over long periods of time have the greatest risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancers. U.S. military veterans and shipyard workers, especially those who served in the Navy during World War II, are also at risk because of a high rate of exposure during the construction and operation of battleships.
People who have been exposed to asbestos are also at high risk of developing asbestosis, a chronic condition that causes restricted breathing due to scarring of the lungs. Although asbestosis itself is benign, it does increase one’s chance of developing lung cancer.
People who have been exposed to asbestos are also at high risk of developing asbestosis, a chronic condition that causes restricted breathing due to scarring of the lungs. Although asbestosis itself is benign, it does increase one’s chance of developing lung cancer.
Chemicals and Gases
After smoking, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Radon is a clear, odorless, naturally occurring gas that is in rocks and soil. Many people who develop lung cancer from radon were exposed to it in their homes. Each year, more than 20,000 people die of radon-related lung cancer.
Chemicals such as depleted uranium and Agent Orange also cause lung cancer, but these cases tend to be rare and are usually limited to people who served in the U.S. military. Agent Orange is an herbicide that was used in Vietnam to kill vegetation and expose the enemy. Soldiers in the Persian Gulf War were exposed to depleted uranium by coming into contact with it in tanks and vehicles, or by coming into contact with vehicles or bunkers that were hit by depleted uranium munitions.
Mesothelioma Treatment Lung cancer patients' prognoses depend on how advanced their cancer is, how or if it has metastasized, and their age and general overall health. Common lung cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Some aggressive treatments include a combination of all three.
Early stages of lung cancer typically do not have severe symptoms, and the symptoms that are present are often similar to those of other common illnesses. Patients are sometimes mistakenly treated for other ailments while there's a more serious, underlying problem. Typical lung cancer symptoms include:
Since these symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, it is necessary for a patient to see a doctor to determine the exact cause. The doctor likely will ask the patient many questions about his or her medical history, including questions about smoking, and asbestos or chemical exposure. Once diagnosed, the cancer will be staged and a treatment plan will be administered. Lung cancer staging is a determination of how advanced the cancer is. While a number of variables are taken into consideration when staging the disease, the most important factor is whether or not the tumor has metastasized. SCLC and NSCLC, however, are staged differently from one another.
Stages of SCLC Lung Cancer SCLC has just two stages—limited disease and extensive disease—because this type of cancer often spreads beyond the lung very early. In most instances, SCLCs are treated as advanced cancers even if there is no evidence that the cancer has spread.
Limited disease refers to the cancer being contained to only one lung, in nearby lymph nodes or in the pleural fluid surrounding the lungs. Extensive disease indicates that the cancer has spread to other part of the body outside the chest area.
Unlike small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer is divided into four different stages. This is common among other cancers as well. The more progressed the cancer has gotten, the higher the stage rating. The four stages of lung cancer are:
Stage 1 – Cancer is a relatively small tumor with no involvement of the lymph nodes, and no metastasis
Stage 2 – Cancer has moved into the pulmonary hilar or bronchial lymph nodes, but has not spread beyond the lungs.
Stage 3 – Cancer has spread to tissues in the chest and/or invaded lypmh nodes in the mediastinum, but has not yet fully spread through the body.
Stage 4 – Cancer has metastasized. It has spread outside the chest cavity and can be anywhere, the liver or even the brain.
Currently, there are three staging systems used for mesothelioma—the TNM, Butchart systems and the Brigham system. The TNM system, which is the most widely used, focuses on how much the cancer has spread, the size of the tumor and lymph node analysis. The Butchart system, which is much older than the TNM, focuses exclusively on the mass of the primary tumor. The Brigham staging system allows for four stages and it is based on whether the mesothelioma can treated or removed by surgery. It is also based on whether or not the body’s lymph nodes are involved.
Chemicals such as depleted uranium and Agent Orange also cause lung cancer, but these cases tend to be rare and are usually limited to people who served in the U.S. military. Agent Orange is an herbicide that was used in Vietnam to kill vegetation and expose the enemy. Soldiers in the Persian Gulf War were exposed to depleted uranium by coming into contact with it in tanks and vehicles, or by coming into contact with vehicles or bunkers that were hit by depleted uranium munitions.
Mesothelioma Treatment Lung cancer patients' prognoses depend on how advanced their cancer is, how or if it has metastasized, and their age and general overall health. Common lung cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Some aggressive treatments include a combination of all three.
Early stages of lung cancer typically do not have severe symptoms, and the symptoms that are present are often similar to those of other common illnesses. Patients are sometimes mistakenly treated for other ailments while there's a more serious, underlying problem. Typical lung cancer symptoms include:
- chest pain
- cough or coughing up blood
- fatigue
- hoarseness
- neck and face swelling
- persistent chest, shoulder, or back pain that worsens with deep breaths
- repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia
- shortness of breath
- weight loss
Since these symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, it is necessary for a patient to see a doctor to determine the exact cause. The doctor likely will ask the patient many questions about his or her medical history, including questions about smoking, and asbestos or chemical exposure. Once diagnosed, the cancer will be staged and a treatment plan will be administered. Lung cancer staging is a determination of how advanced the cancer is. While a number of variables are taken into consideration when staging the disease, the most important factor is whether or not the tumor has metastasized. SCLC and NSCLC, however, are staged differently from one another.
Stages of SCLC Lung Cancer SCLC has just two stages—limited disease and extensive disease—because this type of cancer often spreads beyond the lung very early. In most instances, SCLCs are treated as advanced cancers even if there is no evidence that the cancer has spread.
Limited disease refers to the cancer being contained to only one lung, in nearby lymph nodes or in the pleural fluid surrounding the lungs. Extensive disease indicates that the cancer has spread to other part of the body outside the chest area.
Unlike small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer is divided into four different stages. This is common among other cancers as well. The more progressed the cancer has gotten, the higher the stage rating. The four stages of lung cancer are:
Stage 1 – Cancer is a relatively small tumor with no involvement of the lymph nodes, and no metastasis
Stage 2 – Cancer has moved into the pulmonary hilar or bronchial lymph nodes, but has not spread beyond the lungs.
Stage 3 – Cancer has spread to tissues in the chest and/or invaded lypmh nodes in the mediastinum, but has not yet fully spread through the body.
Stage 4 – Cancer has metastasized. It has spread outside the chest cavity and can be anywhere, the liver or even the brain.
Currently, there are three staging systems used for mesothelioma—the TNM, Butchart systems and the Brigham system. The TNM system, which is the most widely used, focuses on how much the cancer has spread, the size of the tumor and lymph node analysis. The Butchart system, which is much older than the TNM, focuses exclusively on the mass of the primary tumor. The Brigham staging system allows for four stages and it is based on whether the mesothelioma can treated or removed by surgery. It is also based on whether or not the body’s lymph nodes are involved.
Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
The average man in the U.S. has a one in 12 chance of getting lung cancer and the average woman a one in 16 chance. Asbestos workers, however, are about seven times more likely to die of lung cancer than people in general. Asbestos workers who smoke have a 50 to 90 times greater chance of getting lung cancer than the general population.
Lung Cells Most asbestos-induced lung cancer starts in the lining of the bronchi, which are the air tubes within the lungs. However, lung cancer can also begin in other areas of the pulmonary system. Although asbestos lung cancer usually develops slowly and may not appear until many years after exposure to asbestos, once it does occur, cancerous cells can metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body.
The two most common types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Asbestos exposure can be a factor in developing either type of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% to 90% of lung cancers.
with early-stage asbestos-induced lung cancer often display no symptoms. In later stages, the most common symptoms include a persistent cough; chest pain that is often worsened by deep breathing, coughing or even laughing; hoarseness; weight loss and loss of appetite; bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm); difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; susceptibility to bronchitis and pneumonia; and wheezing.
The methods used to diagnose asbestos lung cancer include imaging tests such chest X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs and PET scans. If cancer is indicated, then tissue samples are used to confirm that it is cancer and to determine what type. These diagnostic tests include biopsies, phlegm samples, and blood tests.
Asbestos Cancer Treatment Non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy (therapy that uses drugs designed specifically to target cancer cells and to interfere with their ability to grow). The rarer small cell lung cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy, sometimes together with radiation therapy; small cell lung cancer is very rarely treated with surgery.
The prognosis for either type of lung cancer is poor. Nearly 60% of those diagnosed with lung cancer die within one year, and nearly 75% die within two years. About 16% of people diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer survive the disease for more than five years; only about six percent of those diagnosed with small cell lung cancer survive more than five years.
Lung Cells Most asbestos-induced lung cancer starts in the lining of the bronchi, which are the air tubes within the lungs. However, lung cancer can also begin in other areas of the pulmonary system. Although asbestos lung cancer usually develops slowly and may not appear until many years after exposure to asbestos, once it does occur, cancerous cells can metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body.
The two most common types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Asbestos exposure can be a factor in developing either type of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% to 90% of lung cancers.
with early-stage asbestos-induced lung cancer often display no symptoms. In later stages, the most common symptoms include a persistent cough; chest pain that is often worsened by deep breathing, coughing or even laughing; hoarseness; weight loss and loss of appetite; bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm); difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; susceptibility to bronchitis and pneumonia; and wheezing.
The methods used to diagnose asbestos lung cancer include imaging tests such chest X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs and PET scans. If cancer is indicated, then tissue samples are used to confirm that it is cancer and to determine what type. These diagnostic tests include biopsies, phlegm samples, and blood tests.
Asbestos Cancer Treatment Non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy (therapy that uses drugs designed specifically to target cancer cells and to interfere with their ability to grow). The rarer small cell lung cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy, sometimes together with radiation therapy; small cell lung cancer is very rarely treated with surgery.
The prognosis for either type of lung cancer is poor. Nearly 60% of those diagnosed with lung cancer die within one year, and nearly 75% die within two years. About 16% of people diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer survive the disease for more than five years; only about six percent of those diagnosed with small cell lung cancer survive more than five years.
Asbestos Cancer: Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma While relatively rare, with between 2000 and 3000 new cases reported in the U.S. each year, malignant mesothelioma is still a significant risk to people exposed to asbestos. Because mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, and because the disease can take 40 years or more to manifest after asbestos exposure, there is some concern about misdiagnosed mesothelioma cases and questions as to whether this asbestos cancer is underreported. However, it is agreed that asbestos exposure is the primary cause; in almost all cases, patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in the past.
More men are diagnosed with mesothelioma than women, although the gap between men and women is closing. The rate of female patients with mesothelioma has remained relatively steady while men's rates have dropped. It is thought that this discrepancy is due to fewer men being exposed to asbestos at work since health and safety regulations have been enacted in what have often been male-dominated occupations such as construction, railroad work, and shipbuilding. Like other cancers, the risk of developing an asbestos cancer such as mesothelioma increases with age.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can work their way to mesothelium tissues, which are the linings that surround organs in the body cavity. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura, the covering around the lung. While pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the abdomen) can also be the result of asbestos exposure. In addition to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, cancer can develop in the lining around the heart. This cancer, called pericardial mesothelioma, is the least common of the mesotheliomas.
Pleural Effusion Ninety percent of all pleural mesothelioma patients experience shortness of breath or some sort of chest pains. Over 80% develop pleural effusions, or an increase of fluids between the linings of the lungs and the linings of the chest. In some cases, pleural effusions do not cause discomfort and are only found when the chest is x-rayed. Other symptoms may include unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, or coughing up blood.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include losing weight even while experiencing an increase in the size of the waist. Some patients retain fluids or develop tumors in their abdomens, leading to swelling or pain in that area. Other symptoms may include anemia, fever, and blockages in the intestines.
Diagnosis generally starts with an X-ray, MRI, or CAT scan of the abdomen or chest. Additional tests might include a thoracoscopy, a procedure that involves cutting between two ribs and inserting a thoroscope into the chest, or a peritoneoscopy, where a peritoneoscope is inserted through an incision into the abdomen.
Surgery, although infrequent, is one method of treating mesothelioma. The location and size of the cancerous tumor determines the type of surgery required. A surgeon may have to remove some of the abdominal lining, part of the chest, or part of a lung. Radiation, both external and internal, and chemotherapy are other therapies that are used to fight mesothelioma.
Several new types of treatments for mesothelioma are also being studied. Intraoperative photodynamic therapy involves injecting a drug that makes the cancer sensitive to light a few days before surgery. During surgery, a special type of light is shined on the cancerous area in addition to removing as much of the tumor as possible. In addition, both immunotherapy, which is a treatment that involves using the patient's own immune system to fight mesothelioma, and gene therapy to change the genes involved in growing cancerous tumors are in clinical test stages.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma cannot be cured with today's medical knowledge, and the average survival time after diagnosis is only one year. About 10% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma survive for more than five years.
More men are diagnosed with mesothelioma than women, although the gap between men and women is closing. The rate of female patients with mesothelioma has remained relatively steady while men's rates have dropped. It is thought that this discrepancy is due to fewer men being exposed to asbestos at work since health and safety regulations have been enacted in what have often been male-dominated occupations such as construction, railroad work, and shipbuilding. Like other cancers, the risk of developing an asbestos cancer such as mesothelioma increases with age.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can work their way to mesothelium tissues, which are the linings that surround organs in the body cavity. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura, the covering around the lung. While pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the abdomen) can also be the result of asbestos exposure. In addition to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, cancer can develop in the lining around the heart. This cancer, called pericardial mesothelioma, is the least common of the mesotheliomas.
Pleural Effusion Ninety percent of all pleural mesothelioma patients experience shortness of breath or some sort of chest pains. Over 80% develop pleural effusions, or an increase of fluids between the linings of the lungs and the linings of the chest. In some cases, pleural effusions do not cause discomfort and are only found when the chest is x-rayed. Other symptoms may include unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, or coughing up blood.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include losing weight even while experiencing an increase in the size of the waist. Some patients retain fluids or develop tumors in their abdomens, leading to swelling or pain in that area. Other symptoms may include anemia, fever, and blockages in the intestines.
Diagnosis generally starts with an X-ray, MRI, or CAT scan of the abdomen or chest. Additional tests might include a thoracoscopy, a procedure that involves cutting between two ribs and inserting a thoroscope into the chest, or a peritoneoscopy, where a peritoneoscope is inserted through an incision into the abdomen.
Surgery, although infrequent, is one method of treating mesothelioma. The location and size of the cancerous tumor determines the type of surgery required. A surgeon may have to remove some of the abdominal lining, part of the chest, or part of a lung. Radiation, both external and internal, and chemotherapy are other therapies that are used to fight mesothelioma.
Several new types of treatments for mesothelioma are also being studied. Intraoperative photodynamic therapy involves injecting a drug that makes the cancer sensitive to light a few days before surgery. During surgery, a special type of light is shined on the cancerous area in addition to removing as much of the tumor as possible. In addition, both immunotherapy, which is a treatment that involves using the patient's own immune system to fight mesothelioma, and gene therapy to change the genes involved in growing cancerous tumors are in clinical test stages.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma cannot be cured with today's medical knowledge, and the average survival time after diagnosis is only one year. About 10% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma survive for more than five years.
Mesothelioma Causes
Mesothelioma - a cancer that typically attacks the lungs and abdomen - was profoundly rare until the industrial and commercial use of asbestos expanded in the 20th century. Medical researchers have spent decades investigating the disease and what causes it, and their findings are that asbestos exposure is the primary culprit.
Through studies aimed at pinpointing the exact causes of mesothelioma, researchers gradually learned how being exposed to asbestos triggers cancer.
In March 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reconfirmed that all forms of asbestos can cause mesothelioma - and asbestos exposure is the foremost cause of mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to know more about the disease, treatments, clinical trials and potential financial assistance options, please enter your information in the form below.
Through studies aimed at pinpointing the exact causes of mesothelioma, researchers gradually learned how being exposed to asbestos triggers cancer.
In March 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reconfirmed that all forms of asbestos can cause mesothelioma - and asbestos exposure is the foremost cause of mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to know more about the disease, treatments, clinical trials and potential financial assistance options, please enter your information in the form below.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, but can also affect the heart, abdomen and other organs. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, comprising around .3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. The average age at diagnosis is 62 years of age, occurs about four times more frequently in men than in women and is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
The life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is generally reported as less than one year following diagnosis, however, a patient's prognosis can be positively affected by numerous factors including how early the cancer is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated.
In an effort to help patients understand mesothelioma, The Mesothelioma Center offers a complimentary packet that contains treatment information tailored to your specific diagnosis. The packet also covers the nation's top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs. To receive your packet in the mail, please enter your information below.
The life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is generally reported as less than one year following diagnosis, however, a patient's prognosis can be positively affected by numerous factors including how early the cancer is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated.
In an effort to help patients understand mesothelioma, The Mesothelioma Center offers a complimentary packet that contains treatment information tailored to your specific diagnosis. The packet also covers the nation's top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs. To receive your packet in the mail, please enter your information below.
Causes and Risk Factors of Asbestos-Related Cancer
As its name suggests, asbestos cancers are caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos. When these toxic fibers enter the body, they can cause genetic changes in healthy mesothelial cells. Over time, healthy mesothelial cells die and tumors grow in their place. Asbestos exposure is practically the only cause and risk factor for mesothelioma, while lung cancer can be caused by smoking cigarettes or exposure to radon.
Although smoking exacerbates any potential symptoms that asbestos-related diseases may display, it does not increase your risk of developing mesothelioma if you’ve been exposed to asbestos. Conversely, smoking combined with asbestos exposure does greatly increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Other factors that may affect a person’s overall health and risk of developing cancer following asbestos exposure may include a lifestyle low in exercise, high in stress and poor dietary choices.
Although smoking exacerbates any potential symptoms that asbestos-related diseases may display, it does not increase your risk of developing mesothelioma if you’ve been exposed to asbestos. Conversely, smoking combined with asbestos exposure does greatly increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Other factors that may affect a person’s overall health and risk of developing cancer following asbestos exposure may include a lifestyle low in exercise, high in stress and poor dietary choices.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration calls it “the greatest health risk for American asbestos workers.” Asbestos-related lung cancers are diagnosed more frequently than any other type of asbestos-connected disease. The Environmental Working Group estimates that between 5,000 and 10,000 asbestos-related lung cancer fatalities have occurred each year over the span of the last two decades.
Unlike mesothelioma, the risk of lung cancer is greater among asbestos-exposed smokers. The synergistic effect of smoke and asbestos drastically weakens the lungs and makes smokers with past asbestos exposure more likely to develop lung cancer. This substantially contributes to the rate of asbestos-related lung cancer diagnoses.
Asbestos exposure accounts for 4% of lung cancer cases in the United States
Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma cancer is the only asbestos-related cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma can develop after someone inhales or ingests elevated amounts of asbestos over time.
The inflammation and DNA damage that can result from asbestos exposure may eventually lead to the formation of tumors in the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum ). In rare cases, the lining of the heart or testicles can be affected.
The inflammation and DNA damage that can result from asbestos exposure may eventually lead to the formation of tumors in the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum ). In rare cases, the lining of the heart or testicles can be affected.
Asbestos Cancer
While the term " asbestos cancer " most often refers to mesothelioma, a number of other cancers are associated with asbestos exposure. Lung cancer, for example, is a direct result of asbestos exposure, and some studies have suggested an association between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer.
Elevated risks for a number of other cancers listed below continue to be investigated. According to the World Health Organization, approximately half of all deaths from occupational cancer are caused by asbestos.
Elevated risks for a number of other cancers listed below continue to be investigated. According to the World Health Organization, approximately half of all deaths from occupational cancer are caused by asbestos.
Compensation for Asbestos Cancer
Many asbestos cancer patients have successfully collected compensation from asbestos companies responsible for their exposure.
Unfortunately, it has come to light in recent years that many manufacturers of asbestos products were fully aware of the harmful nature of asbestos fibers and continued to expose hundreds of thousands of laborers to the toxic mineral. Asbestos products were prevalent in naval shipyards, power plants, oil refineries, and in ventilation/steam fixtures. Asbestos was also common in home construction materials, automobile parts, and thousands of other products.Fortunately, you may be eligible for financial compensation if you have been diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer or other injury. While prognosis for asbestos related cancer is often poor, those who have been exposed negligently are able to secure compensation for their treatment as well as for their families in their battle with terminal disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos disease, we urge you to fill out the brief form on this page. We'll send you an up-to-date information packet on new treatment options for mesothelioma, how to obtain compensation for your injuries, and important timelines associated with legal recourse for asbestos cancer patients.
Asbestos Cancer Treatment
Asbestos cancer treatment options typically include some combination surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
Depending on the location of the cancer, generally asbestos related malignancies can be difficult to resect because the latency period over which the cancer goes undetected can often extend into the time period where the tumor develops through its preliminary stages. Later stage cancers, and particularly those related to asbestos, will often not be resectable malignancies. While diagnosis of early stage asbestos cancer is uncommon, certainly those eligible for surgical removal will often have the cancer resected. Adjuvant chemotherapy is often administered after surgery to complement the resection.Pleurectomy and Extrapleural pneumonectomy, both extensive surgeries, are often used in the treatment of pleural asbestos cancer. Surgery is much less common in malignant peritoneal and pericardial cancer, as the origin of the tumor is difficult to access without endangering the survival of the patient.
Chemotherapy is the most frequently utilized treatment mechanism for the control of asbestos cancer. Drugs like Alimta, Cisplatin, and Gemcitabine have all been used with varying degrees of efficacy to halt or slow the spread of malignant mesothelioma and lung carcinomas. Ongoing clinical trials continue to test new drugs and drug cocktails for the management and treatment of asbestos cancer. Recent trends suggest that researchers are making strides in determining approved treatment regimens not only for malignant pleural mesothelioma, but also peritoneal and pericardial cancers.
Currently, the only FDA-approved chemotherapy regimen for the asbestos cancer malignant pleural mesothelioma is a combination of Alimta and Cisplatin, delivered intravenously, with 21 days between each subsequent injection. Asbestos lung cancer carcinomas are also treatable with chemotherapy. Because asbestos cancer incidence of this type is much more prevalent (and not necessarily directly attributable to asbestos exposure), there are many more chemotherapy options available to patients.
External beam radiation is popular among patients receiving treatment for pleural and peritoneal cancer. Pericardial cancer patients may also utilize radiation in the control of their cancer, but in lower dosages considering the region's proximity to the heart. Radiation therapy is considered useful for palliation as well to prevent malignant cells from taking hold again following surgery.
As part of developing studies into the control of asbestos cancer through radiotherapy, researchers have begun utilizing brachytherapy to control mesothelioma tumor spread and growth. Brachytherapy is an internal radiation source implanted in the affected area which has shown promise in clinical studies in reducing tumor mass and slowing. Every year, survival rates are extended further and more funding is now being invested in research to evaluate new options for treatment. Researchers hope to, one day, find a cure for mesothelioma.
Asbestos Cancer
Mesothelioma, the type of cancer most commonly associated with asbestos exposure, is a malignancy that occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. A mesothelioma diagnosis is generally classified as one of the following three types: pleural mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura, peritoneal mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium.
Asbestos, which has been used for, quite literally, thousands of years as a fire-retardant and insulation material has long been connected to sickness, though not necessarily cancer until the last 50 years. Once asbestos was classified as a known carcinogen, the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission imposed strict regulation on its use in commercial and industrial products. Unfortunately, many of the companies producing asbestos products were well aware of the hazards which asbestos posed and continued to expose workers and laborers to the harmful asbestos fibers.
Diagnostic tools include CT scans and MRIs for patients where asbestos cancer is suspected. In most cases, these imaging scans will be able to provide a picture of the tumor, but a biopsy will likely be required to determine a conclusive diagnosis of mesothelioma rather than other lung carcinomas. In cases where pleural or peritoneal effusions have manifested in the patient, draining these and extracting the fluid through pleurocentesis can allow oncologists to test the fluid for the presence of malignant cells.
Asbestos, which has been used for, quite literally, thousands of years as a fire-retardant and insulation material has long been connected to sickness, though not necessarily cancer until the last 50 years. Once asbestos was classified as a known carcinogen, the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission imposed strict regulation on its use in commercial and industrial products. Unfortunately, many of the companies producing asbestos products were well aware of the hazards which asbestos posed and continued to expose workers and laborers to the harmful asbestos fibers.
Asbestos cancer diagnosis is difficult due to the symptoms of the disease mimicking those of other illnesses.
Asbestos cancer diagnosis, including diagnosis of mesothelioma and lung carcinoma, can be difficult because symptoms of the disease can closely mimic those of other more minor respiratory complications. Symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or chronic cough may lead physicians to suspect mesothelioma, particularly if the patient has a known asbestos exposure history.Diagnostic tools include CT scans and MRIs for patients where asbestos cancer is suspected. In most cases, these imaging scans will be able to provide a picture of the tumor, but a biopsy will likely be required to determine a conclusive diagnosis of mesothelioma rather than other lung carcinomas. In cases where pleural or peritoneal effusions have manifested in the patient, draining these and extracting the fluid through pleurocentesis can allow oncologists to test the fluid for the presence of malignant cells.
No Closing Cost
Borrowers with this type of refinancing typically pay few if any upfront fees to get the new mortgage loan. This type of refinance can be beneficial provided the prevailing market rate is lower than the borrower's existing rate by a formula determined by the lender offering the loan. Before you read any further do not provide any lender with a credit card number until they have provided you with a Good Faith Estimate verifying it is truly a 0 cost loan. The appraisal fee cannot be paid for by the lender or broker so this will always show up in the total settlement charges at the bottom of your GFE.
This can be an excellent choice in a declining market or if you are not sure you will hold the loan long enough to recoup the closing cost before you refinance or pay it off. For example, you plan on selling your home in three years, but it will take five years to recoup the closing cost. This could prevent you from considering a refinance, however if you take the zero closing cost option, you can lower your interest rate without taking any risk of losing money.
In this case the broker receives a credit or what's called yield spread premium (YSP). Yield spread premiums are the cash that a mortgage company receives for originating your loan. The broker provides the client and the documentation needed to process the loan and the lender pays them for providing this service in lieu of paying one of their own loan officers. Since a brokerage can have more than one loan officer originating loans, they can sometimes receive additional YSP for bringing in a volume amount of loans. This is normally based on funding more than 1 million in total loans per month. This can greatly benefit the borrower, especially since April 1st 2011. New laws have been implemented by the federal government mandating that all brokers have set pricing with the lenders they do business with. Brokers can receive so much YSP that they can provide you with a lower rate than if you went directly to the lender and they can pay for all your closing cost as opposed to the lender who would make you pay for all the third party fees on your own. You end up with a lower rate and lower fees. Since the new RESPA law as of April came into effect in 2011, brokers can no longer decide how much they want to make off of the loan. Instead they sign a contract in April stating that they will keep only a certain percentage of the YSP and the rest will go toward the borrowers closing cost.
True No Closing Cost mortgages are usually not the best options for people who know that they will keep that loan for the entire length of the term or at least enough time to recoup the closing cost. When the borrower pays out of pocket for their closing costs, they are at a higher risk of losing the money they invested. In most cases, the borrower is not able to negotiate the fees for the appraisal or escrow. Sometimes, when wrapping closing costs into a loan you can easily determine whether it makes sense to go with the lower rate with closing cost or the slightly higher rate for free. Some cases your payment will be the same, in that case you would want to choose the higher rate with no fees. If the payment for 4.5% with $2,500 in settlement charges is the same for 4.625% for free then you will pay the same amount of money over the length of the loan, however if you choose the loan with closing cost and you refinance before the end of your term you wasted money on the closing cost. Your loan amount will be 2,500 less at 4.625% and your payment is the same.
This can be an excellent choice in a declining market or if you are not sure you will hold the loan long enough to recoup the closing cost before you refinance or pay it off. For example, you plan on selling your home in three years, but it will take five years to recoup the closing cost. This could prevent you from considering a refinance, however if you take the zero closing cost option, you can lower your interest rate without taking any risk of losing money.
In this case the broker receives a credit or what's called yield spread premium (YSP). Yield spread premiums are the cash that a mortgage company receives for originating your loan. The broker provides the client and the documentation needed to process the loan and the lender pays them for providing this service in lieu of paying one of their own loan officers. Since a brokerage can have more than one loan officer originating loans, they can sometimes receive additional YSP for bringing in a volume amount of loans. This is normally based on funding more than 1 million in total loans per month. This can greatly benefit the borrower, especially since April 1st 2011. New laws have been implemented by the federal government mandating that all brokers have set pricing with the lenders they do business with. Brokers can receive so much YSP that they can provide you with a lower rate than if you went directly to the lender and they can pay for all your closing cost as opposed to the lender who would make you pay for all the third party fees on your own. You end up with a lower rate and lower fees. Since the new RESPA law as of April came into effect in 2011, brokers can no longer decide how much they want to make off of the loan. Instead they sign a contract in April stating that they will keep only a certain percentage of the YSP and the rest will go toward the borrowers closing cost.
True No Closing Cost mortgages are usually not the best options for people who know that they will keep that loan for the entire length of the term or at least enough time to recoup the closing cost. When the borrower pays out of pocket for their closing costs, they are at a higher risk of losing the money they invested. In most cases, the borrower is not able to negotiate the fees for the appraisal or escrow. Sometimes, when wrapping closing costs into a loan you can easily determine whether it makes sense to go with the lower rate with closing cost or the slightly higher rate for free. Some cases your payment will be the same, in that case you would want to choose the higher rate with no fees. If the payment for 4.5% with $2,500 in settlement charges is the same for 4.625% for free then you will pay the same amount of money over the length of the loan, however if you choose the loan with closing cost and you refinance before the end of your term you wasted money on the closing cost. Your loan amount will be 2,500 less at 4.625% and your payment is the same.
Risks
Most fixed-term loans have penalty clauses ("call provisions") that are triggered by an early repayment of the loan, in part or in full, as well as "closing" fees. There will also be transaction fees on the refinancing. These fees must be calculated before embarking on a loan refinancing, as they can wipe out any savings generated through refinancing.
If the refinanced loan has lower monthly repayments or consolidates other debts for the same repayment, it will result in a larger total interest cost over the life of the loan, and will result in the borrower remaining in debt for many more years. Calculating the up-front, ongoing, and potentially variable costs of refinancing is an important part of the decision on whether or not to refinance.
In some jurisdictions, varying by American state, refinanced mortgage loans are considered recourse debt, meaning that the borrower is liable in case of default, while un-refinanced mortgages are non-recourse debt.
If the refinanced loan has lower monthly repayments or consolidates other debts for the same repayment, it will result in a larger total interest cost over the life of the loan, and will result in the borrower remaining in debt for many more years. Calculating the up-front, ongoing, and potentially variable costs of refinancing is an important part of the decision on whether or not to refinance.
In some jurisdictions, varying by American state, refinanced mortgage loans are considered recourse debt, meaning that the borrower is liable in case of default, while un-refinanced mortgages are non-recourse debt.
Refinancing
Refinancing may refer to the replacement of an existing debt obligation with a debt obligation under different terms. The terms and conditions of refinancing may vary widely by country, province, or state, based on several economic factors such as, inherent risk, projected risk, political stability of a nation, currency stability, banking regulations, borrower's credit worthiness, and credit rating of a nation. In many industrialized nations, a common form of refinancing is for a place of primary residency mortgage.
If the replacement of debt occurs under financial distress, refinancing might be referred to as debt restructuring.
A loan (debt) might be refinanced for various reasons:
In the context of personal (as opposed to corporate) finance, refinancing multiple debts makes management of the debt easier. If high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, is consolidated into the home mortgage, the borrower is able to pay off the remaining debt at mortgage rates over a longer period.
For home mortgages in the United States, there may be tax advantages available with refinancing, particularly if one does not pay Alternative Minimum Tax.
If the replacement of debt occurs under financial distress, refinancing might be referred to as debt restructuring.
A loan (debt) might be refinanced for various reasons:
- To take advantage of a better interest rate (a reduced monthly payment or a reduced term)
- To consolidate other debt(s) into one loan (a potentially longer/shorter term contingent on interest rate differential and fees)
- To reduce the monthly repayment amount (often for a longer term, contingent on interest rate differential and fees)
- To reduce or alter risk (e.g. switching from a variable-rate to a fixed-rate loan)
- To free up cash (often for a longer term, contingent on interest rate differential and fees)
In the context of personal (as opposed to corporate) finance, refinancing multiple debts makes management of the debt easier. If high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, is consolidated into the home mortgage, the borrower is able to pay off the remaining debt at mortgage rates over a longer period.
For home mortgages in the United States, there may be tax advantages available with refinancing, particularly if one does not pay Alternative Minimum Tax.
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