Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the thin tissue that lines the patient’s internal organs, known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure.Â
Cancer is a disease in which a mutation causes the body's cells to reproduce uncontrollably. There are many types of cancers affecting a variety of organs and tissues. Some are easier to manage than others, but mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive and fatal cancer. In most cases, curing mesothelioma is not possible.Â
Asbestos is a fibrous, silicon-based mineral that can be found in either amphibole or serpentine forms. Asbestos has been used in a variety of building materials and machine components where it was utilized for its heat-resistant and anti-corrosive properties. However, asbestos has also been linked to health complications, including pleural diseases, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma comes in four distinct forms: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and tunica vaginalis mesothelioma. These mesothelioma types manifest in the tissue surrounding the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles, respectively.
Approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually. Mesothelioma has a latency period of between 20 and 50 years before it develops into detectable symptoms.
Asbestos is a recognized carcinogen or cancer-causing material that is connected to several cancers. According to the U.S. Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. Additionally, up to 75% of mesothelioma cases are pleural mesothelioma.Â
The primary vector for asbestos exposure is typically either structural or industrial. Structural asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos particles within walls, insulation, ceilings, or other residential or commercial structures come loose and become suspended in the air. One way that structural asbestos can be removed is through asbestos abatement.
Industrial asbestos exposure occurs when a worker is exposed to asbestos. The most common industries with exposure to asbestos include auto manufacturers, shipbuilders, talc miners, and asbestos miners.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary by the region of the body where the cancer develops. Pleural mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as:
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
Pericardial mesothelioma may present with chest pains and difficulty breathing while tunica vaginalis mesothelioma may present with some similar symptoms to testicular cancer.
Once symptoms of mesothelioma appear, the next step is to seek a diagnosis. Suspicions of mesothelioma can be confirmed through a number of diagnostic tests including an X-ray, a CT scan, a biopsy, or even through aspiration, though this method is not the most accurate testing method.
Once mesothelioma has been diagnosed, treatment can begin as quickly as possible. As mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, it can quickly metastasize. Depending on the severity, treatments can include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or targeted therapy.
Individuals who have developed mesothelioma have likely been exposed to asbestos. Those who identify how they have been exposed may be able to file a legal claim to recover the costs of medical and other expenses.
If you have been exposed to any form of asbestos and have developed any cancers, including mesothelioma or asbestosis, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover the costs of medical expenses, pain, suffering, or lost wages. In order to file and prevail in your personal injury lawsuit, you will need the help of an experienced Personal Injury Attorney.
With their legal expertise, trial tactics, and expert witnesses, your Personal Injury attorney will be able to zealously advocate for you in order to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Additionally, since Personal Injury attorneys work on contingency, if you don’t win, you don’t pay.
