Mesothelioma—A Deadly Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma Cancer Information: The Connection With Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The risk of developing mesothelioma from asbestos exposure is dose dependent—the greater the asbestos exposure, the greater the risk of developing mesothelioma. For many, the main source of asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace. In industries that employed tradesmen, Navy vets, and construction crewmembers, exposure to asbestos containing materials may have gone largely unnoticed. See the asbestos exposure section for a list of occupations, products, manufacturers and job sites where asbestos exposure was a common occurrence.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a complex and aggressive cancer rooted in asbestos exposure, most often develops as pleural mesothelioma. Two other types of mesothelioma, although not as common, occur as well. For more detailed explanations of the three different types of mesothelioma cancer, please see the following:

Pleural Mesothelioma – The tumors most commonly grow along one layer of the pleura, but can metastasize, or spread, to other layers of the pleura. The tumors compress the lungs, causing shortness of breath and cause the body to respond by isolating the area with fluid, also known as pleural effusion.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma – The peritoneum, which is the lining of the stomach or abdomen, may develop peritoneal mesothelioma from asbestos fibers that are swallowed.
Pericardial Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma can also develop in the pericardium, the thin lining around the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma.

How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?

Asbestos fibers, usually inhaled or swallowed, may penetrate the surface of the mesothelium, a membrane that lines the pleural cavity where your lungs are; the peritoneum, which lines your abdominal cavity; and pericardium or heart sac. If the fibers damage the cells of the mesothelium, irregular cell division can progress into a malignant tumor within the mesothelium, known as mesothelioma.

Further Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Treatment Information

Diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult due to mesothelioma symptoms being similar to those of other conditions. For patients, having insight to the diagnosis of mesothelioma, a list of specialists that diagnose mesothelioma and an overview of treatment options can better prepare them for a meeting with their doctor. Please see the following for more in–depth information:

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Our mesothelioma attorneys have helped mesothelioma victims for over 25 years. Learn more about how our team of expert mesothelioma attorneys can help you.