Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. In many cases it is directly correlated with occupational exposure to the toxic substance.
For a long time mesothelioma has been considered a mysterious and incurable disease. However, in the last twenty years, medical technology, scientists and researchers have come to learn more about the disease and its causes.
Fortunately, with more awareness about the disease, physicians have become more able to detect the cancer during the earlier stages so they can provide more forms of treatment.
This form of cancer occurs within the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of the body's internal organs (mesothelium). In the medical world, there are two different types and they are based on what part of the mesothelium is affected. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs. Other rarer forms affect the tissue in the abdomen, the heart and around the testicles.
Sadly, this is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer, where a cure is not usually achievable. There are treatments available, but in most cases the goal of the treatments is to keep the patient as comfortable as possible.
The most common form (pleural mesothelioma) affects the tissue surrounding the lungs. It causes specific signs and symptoms including: chest pain under the rib cage, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, painful coughing, lumps of tissue underneath the skin on the chest, and weight loss. Unfortunately, fluid in the chest can compress on the lung, making breathing exceptionally difficult for the patient.
Cancer begins with a series of genetic mutations within a cell, which causes the cell to grow and multiply at an unchecked pace. Risk factors for developing mesothelioma are directly linked to asbestos exposure. Direct exposure to asbestos fibers at someone's work, or in their home greatly increases the risk. Even living with someone who works with asbestos or washing a spouse's clothes that has the fibers on them can lead to mesothelioma. In fact, it is suggested that people who work with asbestos should shower and change clothes before leaving work and heading home.
These dangers have been nationally recognized. If a person handles asbestos in an unsafe manner that endangers those around them, or if they cause an asbestos injury as a result of recklessness or negligence, then the victim may have legal grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you lost a loved one to mesothelioma, you may have cause for a wrongful death lawsuit against the legally liable party. An experienced attorney will be absolutely critical in pursuing just compensation in this matter. Do not speak with an insurance company without first discussing your case with an attorney, because if you do, they will likely offer you a settlement that is far below the true value of your claim. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case today!
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