Mesothelioma, Causes and Legal Options

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by excessive exposure to asbestos. In this type of cancer, malignant cell are found in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. The specific type of mesothelioma is named for the tissue where the cancer started. Pleural mesothelioma starts in the chest, in the pleura that surrounds the lungs (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall). It is the most common form of the disease, comprising about 75% of all diagnosed cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the lining of the abdominal cavity. This is the second most common form. Pericardial mesothelioma is the third and the rarest form of the disease and it occurs in the pericardial lining of the heart.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss, fatigue, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain and/or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. A chest x-ray may show a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion (fluid surrounding the lung). Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain and heart palpitations. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a definite diagnosis.

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined. New treatments are being studied using clinical trials. Clinical trials refer to research studies with people and they are being used to find new treatment methods and better ways of using current treatments.

People usually get exposed to asbestos by inhaling tiny fibres of it from the atmosphere. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used, but is now known to be a potentially fatal carcinogen. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways. There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers.

The compensation process involves the businesses the sufferer worked for at the time they were exposed to asbestos, paying the victims or family members of the victims. The money that is won via these claims is taken from the business' insurance policies. The problem for many sufferers is that the company they worked for at the time may have closed down by the time symptoms and court cases begin. However, many mesothelioma lawyers are able to trace the relevant insurance company even for collapsed companies from years ago.

If you have been exposed to such materials or even think you may have it is suggested that you seek the aid of a mesothelioma lawyer who can help make you aware of your rights, and help you seek redress from the exposure. This can help take a load off on the costs of getting tests run and initiating treatment to help treat the disease before the onset of symptoms occur. Mesothelioma lawyers can make you aware of your rights, and what you can do in such a case. Mesothelioma lawyers are equipped with many resources to help you find the best options for your situation. There are also many mesothelioma attorneys who are now assigned to cases of asbestos poisoning who act on behalf of both the affected and the defendant as well.

Most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency basis, that is, for a percentage of the amount of the compensation claimed; therefore you won't have to pay legal fees unless you win compensation. Although there is no guarantee that your claim will be successful, if you are awarded damages you may be able to secure your family's financial future if your claim is successful.