If you are visiting our blog for the first time, you might not know exactly what mesothelioma is or its cause. Maybe you’ve heard it mentioned on TV ads, but never wondered much about the disease until now. This rare and deadly form of cancer is caused by asbestos, specifically, the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
The disease is named mesothelioma because the cancer affects what is called the mesothelium, which is the layered tissue on your heart, lungs and other internal organs.
This deadly form of cancer is common among men who worked in asbestos environments prior to 1970; when asbestos became regulated at construction sites, shipyards and other places. Many mesothelioma cases are linked to exposures incidences that occurred 20 to 50 years ago. Consequently, this type of cancer is most often found in older men.
Mesothelioma can be hard to diagnose. Common symptoms include trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, weight loss, loss of appetite, a husky voice or fluid in your chest, lungs or abdomen.
The type of treatment mesothelioma patients receive depends upon the organs the cancer has attacked. Researchers have not found a cure or effective treatment and a patient’s prognosis varies based on the stage of cancer. Sadly, most patients live less than five years with mesothelioma and suffer extreme pain and discomfort prior to death.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is best to obtain advice from an attorney who is experienced in this area of law. You may have just cause to file a legal claim and may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Source: Mesothelioma + Asbestos Awareness Center, July 21, 2016.
