Working in places that use asbestos may mean that you have experienced exposure to this hazardous material. While not everyone who is exposed to asbestos develops health complications, some individuals develop a disease known as malignant mesothelioma.

The terms “malignant mesothelioma” and “mesothelioma” are interchangeable in the medical world. Mesothelioma is highly aggressive and incurable, and usually does not appear until decades after asbestos exposure. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, get in touch with a skilled attorney right away to learn about your potential compensation options for asbestos-related diseases.

Malignant Mesothelioma Results from Consistent Exposure to Asbestos

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer. It affects the mesothelium, which is the lining that covers the outside of the lungs, pericardium, peritium, and scrotum. This aggressive disease is caused by exposure to asbestos, and most commonly affects individuals who work in industries that use this material. Workers that face a high risk of asbestos exposure include:

Asbestos tends to float through the air when it is present at a worksite. Employees breathe in this substance, and it becomes lodged in their lungs. It is also not uncommon for workers to eat food or drink water that is contaminated with asbestos fibers, which could result in cancer of the stomach.

Not All Malignant Mesotheliomas are Alike

The term malignant mesothelioma describes any cancerous growth that occurs in the mesothelium. Different types of mesothelioma are categorized based on the specific organ that the cancer targets.

The most common form of malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura, which surrounds and protects the lungs. This is called pleural mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, these cases comprise around 75 percent of all mesotheliomas.

The next most common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the stomach lining. Other types of mesothelioma are pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining surrounding the heart, and mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis, which is a cancer of the covering of the testicles.

Types of Mesothelioma Tumors

Once a doctor determines which organ is affected by mesothelioma, they will act to evaluate the tumor’s specific characteristics. This will impact the treatment methods that the doctor recommends. There are three most common kinds of mesothelioma tumors that may result from exposure to asbestos:

  1. Epithelioid: These comprise more than half of all tumors and usually have a better prognosis.
  2. Sarcomatoid: Also known as fibrous, these tumors tend to be harsher.
  3. Mixed: These are a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid tumors.

Recognizing the type of tumor present in a patient is often a doctor’s first step towards providing more effective care.

Discuss Legal Options After a Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis with a Seasoned Attorney

While every mesothelioma case is different, this type of cancer is aggressive and can upend your life in a matter of months. If you were exposed to asbestos, do not hesitate to take legal action. Our firm provides committed representation to individuals affected by malignant mesothelioma.

Even if you were only minimally exposed to asbestos at work or elsewhere, our dedicated legal team works hard to investigate your case and hold the wrongful parties accountable. To learn more about how we could help you recover the payments you need after a mesothelioma diagnosis, get in touch with our office today.