in the United States every year. The average life expectancy of a
person suffering from mesothelioma is a mere six months from
diagnosis. Most victims are men over the age of forty who have worked
with asbestos or in buildings where asbestos was present.
Because mesothelioma is caused by direct exposure to asbestos or
asbestos dust, as well as nearly 30 million tons of asbestos was used
in buildings of every description until the mid 1970's, it has kept
Mesothelioma lawyers in high demand, as they pursue Mesothelioma
settlements for the victims and their families. If your home was built
prior to the mid 1970's it should be inspected for asbestos. Asbestos
was used in insulation, to include boiler and pipe insulation,
fireproofing spray; firebrick, gunite and many construction materials,
e.g. roof, floor and ceiling tiles.
Mesothelioma could develop up to 50 years after direct or indirect
exposure to asbestos. Early symptoms can include shortness of breath,
pain in the lower back or in the sides of your chest. Unfortunately,
these symptoms are common to many types of illness, and diagnosis is
often delayed because of this. If you suspect that you or your loved
one might have mesothelioma, it is critical that you inform your
doctor of your asbestos exposure. Other less common symptoms may
include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, difficulty swallowing,
cough, fever and sweats.
If you or your loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma you should
speak to a mesothelioma lawyer immediately to see if you have a
mesothelioma case. Try to write down any source of possible exposure
regardless of time passed and try to locate the responsible parties.
Your mesothelioma lawyer'll advise you on the statute of limitations.
If you have a family member who has died from mesothelioma you may
still be eligible to file a claim. If you were never directly exposed
to asbestos but contracted mesothelioma from indirect exposure, such
as asbestos dust brought home on a family members clothing, you may
also be eligible to file a mesothelioma case.
While a settlement can not erase the fact that you or your loved one
have contracted mesothelioma, it can bring comfort, security and
stability to a family in crisis.
In order to cope with a diagnosis of Mesothelioma, it is crucial to
cognize three important facts about this disease. First, one needs to
know what Mesothelioma is. Second, it is imperative to know what
causes this deadly cancer. Lastly, one must know as much as possible
about the three forms of Mesothelioma. They are Pleural Mesothelioma,
Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is attributed to repeated exposure
to asbestos. Individuals most susceptible for developing Mesothelioma
are those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines, manufacture asbestos
products, and those employed in the heating and construction trades.
Mesothelioma does not usually become evident until 20 to 60 years
after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma gets its name from the word mesothelium. The mesothelium
is the protective lining that covers and helps to protect most of the
body's internal organs. This form of cancer invades the mesothelium.
Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial
Mesothelioma are aggressive forms of cancer that attack the protective
lining of the lungs, abdomen and heart, respectively.
Pleural Mesothelioma is the most prevalent form of Mesothelioma. It
presents itself in the Pleura, or lining of the inside of the chest
that house the lungs. When asbestos is mined, manufactured or
disturbed, asbestos particles escape into the air. These particles are
easily inhaled or eaten . Over an extended duration of time, these
inhaled and ingested asbestos particles may eventually cause normal
cells in the Pleura to become abnormal, causing Pleural Mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a more rare form of Mesothelioma. This type
of cancer originates in the Peritoneum or the membranous lining of the
abdomen that encloses the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and
pancreas. Peritoneal Mesothelioma accounts for less than a quarter of
all Mesothelioma cases.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer invades the Pericardium, or the
membrane that surrounds the heart. This condition causes severe heart
problems, and most people who contract this asbestos-related cancer
eventually die from heart failure.
The Pleura is thought to be most susceptible to Mesothelioma. Due to
this membrane surrounding the lungs it is in direct contact with
asbestos fibers when inhaled. This would explain why Pleural
Mesothelioma is the most common form of this deadly cancer.
It has been suggested that when asbestos-containing fibers are
ingested or inhaled they can be picked up by the lymph nodes and
spread to other parts of the body. This may account for cases of
Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Chronic exposure to asbestos, after a latency period of approximately
20 to 60 years, can cause Mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed
with Mesothelioma it is imperative to know what it is, what causes it
and its three major forms; Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal
Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Once you know what form of
this asbestos related cancer you are up against it will aid you in
seeking appropriate treatment options.
In addition to seeking aggressive medical treatment, you need to find
out the cause of your asbestos-related cancer. Since all three forms
are caused by contact with asbestos, think back on all the jobs you've
had, and where you were exposed to asbestos. Next, go to see the
advice of an attorney who is familiar with litigating Mesothelioma
lawsuits. Your attorney will help you in documenting your exposure to
asbestos even if it occurred many years ago, and also documenting the
physical and emotional damage that your diagnosis of Pleural
Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma or Pericardial Mesothelioma has
caused for you.
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