Mesothelioma Disease

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms around the tissue layers surrounding your lungs, stomach, heart and other organs. Mesothelioma is also an incurable, rare form of cancer, who’s only known cause in the United States is exposure to asbestos. This diagnosed cancer usually occurs only in the advanced stages of the disease and unfortunately is fatal within 18 to 24 months. It is estimated there are between 2000 and 3000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in this country.

Victims of this dreadful disease often times were exposed decades before they develop mesothelioma. Most were exposed on the job to asbestos and inhaled the toxic fibers which burrowed into the mesothelial tissue and become the breeding ground for cancer. Inhaled asbestos fibers invade the mesothelium and cause those cells to become malignant.

Workers who develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure generally worked in industries where asbestos products were used as in the Navy, Ship Building, Automotive, Automotive Repair, Manufacturing of Products, Mining and a whole host of other fields. Not all of the victims were exposed workers. Many were family members, who through second hand exposure from handling contaminated clothing, hair and close contact to the worker became contaminated.

Different Types of Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

The most common type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma, affecting the membrane lining the chest cavity and lungs and causing a buildup of fluids there that makes normal breathing difficult or impossible. Symptoms of this form include recent onset of shortness of breath, recent increase in shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, weight loss, weakness, and—the most common finding upon physical examination—an accumulation of fluid called pleural effusion. This form accounts for up to 75 percent of all cases of mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The next most common form of the disease is peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen. Here, tumors develop and press on the internal organs. This pressure produces symptoms such as pain and swelling in the abdomen, chest pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial. This can occur when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs to the mesothelial tissue that surrounds the heart. As the resulting cancerous tumors expand, they restrict heart function and sometimes cause cardiac failure. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include chest pain, heart palpitations, fatigue, and night sweats.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma (also called mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis) is a form of mesothelioma, with fewer than 100 cases of the disease recorded in the last 60 years. Due to the rareness of the disease, very little is known about its symptoms. The only clear symptoms of testicular mesothelioma are the appearance of lumps under the skin of the testicle and hydrocele, a buildup of fluid in the scrotum.

Please be aware that Mesothelioma is not lung cancer and is not caused by smoking.

If you or a love one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or you’ve been told it’s a possible diagnosis, you need to educate yourself about your options and your illness. There are two major aspects of your illness that need to be consider. First, is the treatment options you might want to consider ranging from attacking the disease to managing any pain associated with the illness. Second, is considering your legal options, seeking compensation against whoever is responsible for your mesothelioma. This illness requires extensive treatment that can be very expensive. Pursuing compensation can help you afford the medical expenses.

Alan is an experienced mesothelioma attorney who has helped 1000’s of mesothelioma victims and their families seek fair compensation for their injuries. Our clients come from all types of industries, from all over the United States. We concentrate on helping those that reside in Florida but our practice is not limited to Florida residents. Our consultations are free and there are no fees or costs unless we win compensation for you. We will travel from our office and meet you at your convenience. We are truly sorry you are faced with these decisions and will do everything in our power, through our experience and commitment to helping you and your family through this time of need…