Asbestos And Mesothelioma

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Common symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent coughing, weight loss, and fatigue. Typically, the symptoms of malignant mesothelioma begin slowly and increase with the progression of the cancer.

Malignant mesothelioma damages the thin, protective layer of tissue which lines the body’s major internal organs. This layer of tissue is called mesothelium, hence the name mesothelioma. It causes abnormal cells in this lining to grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. This makes it difficult for the body to function the way it should.

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Statistics indicate that more than 80% of mesotheliomas are caused by exposure to asbestos. The frequent inhalation of asbestos particles, which do not break down easily, can be particularly harmful. Many companies who produced or distributed asbestos knew of its dangers but failed to warn its employees and customers of such risks.

If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma, you may be eligible to seek compensation from the manufacturers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until forty or so years after initial exposure to asbestos. However, once detected, mesothelioma can quickly progress to cause life-threatening complications.

Mesothelioma is often detected via chest x-rays or CT scans. Diagnosis of mesothelioma is typically confirmed with a tissue biopsy. The tissue most commonly affected by mesothelioma is the mesothelium lining the lungs and chest wall. However, in some cases, other tissue, such as the lining of the abdomen can be damaged by mesothelioma.

Research suggests the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the risk of contracting mesothelioma. As such, anyone who works closely with asbestos, lives or works in buildings containing asbestos, or lives with someone who works with asbestos may be at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to reduce exposure to asbestos.

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What Can I Do If I Have Mesothelioma?

If you believe you have mesothelioma, the first step is to seek medical attention in order to get a proper diagnosis. Many of the symptoms of mesothelioma may be caused by unrelated conditions. If a physical examination indicates you may have mesothelioma, a doctor will likely order a Chest x ray, scan and/or biopsy in order to confirm the prognosis.

Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor can discuss the next steps to treat your medical condition. Treatment and medical procedures associated with mesothelioma can be costly. As a result of your diagnosis, you may have legal options available that can aid in the cost of treatment.

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can obtain compensation through mesothelioma claims. Personal injury claims against the company that exposed someone with mesothelioma to asbestos can be filed in court, or in the case of bankrupt asbestos companies, claims may be submitted to asbestos trust funds. Your attorney can help you determine which type of claim to file.

Can People Not Directly Exposed To Asbestos Get Mesothelioma?

Secondhand exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma—for example, when a person directly exposed to asbestos exposes another person to asbestos fibers on his clothes or body, or when someone is in the vicinity of others who are disturbing asbestos-containing products.

Mesotheliomas can and often do result from brief and low-level asbestos exposures.

There have been instances, for example, where the spouse of someone working with or around asbestos contracted mesothelioma, as a result of the home being contaminated by asbestos brought home on the work clothes.

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