What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers the heart, lungs and other internal organs. This protective membrane is called by different names – for instance, the mesothelial lining around the heart is called the pericardium, around the lungs it’s called the pleura, and around the organs in the abdomen it’s called the peritoneum.

Mesothelioma can originate in any of these areas, and there are consequently three different types of mesothelioma:

Pleural mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma

The first two types – pleural and peritoneal – are the most common forms of this rare cancer, which occurs primarily in individuals who have experienced prolonged exposure to asbestos particles.

Who is at Risk?

Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in people who have a history of workplace asbestos exposure.  Asbestos is a group of naturally-occurring minerals, composed of durable, fire-resistant fibers that have been widely used in industries such as:

Shipbuilding
Heating and construction
Textiles
Insulation
Automotive repair
Mining
Roofing and flooring
Education (asbestos was used in the ceiling tiles in older school buildings)

Individuals who have worked in these industries (especially prior to the 1970s when the government started regulating asbestos use) face the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. Because of the widespread use of asbestos on Navy ships, veterans and others who worked aboard these vessels are also at an increased risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

It is also possible to develop mesothelioma as a result of secondhand asbestos exposure. In other words, individuals who worked with asbestos could bring home the fibers on their person and thereby expose family members or loved ones.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until decades (30-50 years) after the asbestos exposure occurred, and even when they do appear they often resemble the symptoms of more common ailments. It’s always best to seek the advice of a doctor if any of the following mesothelioma symptoms occur in an individual with a history of asbestos exposure:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Weight loss
Abdominal pain and/or swelling
Fever

Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed by a doctor and diagnosis generally involves a battery of tests such as x-rays, CT scan and MRI, as well as a biopsy. Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, the doctor will determine the stage of the disease (how far the cancer has spread).

There is no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and any alternative therapies the patient and doctor deem appropriate.

Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

Individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover some or all of their damages. Damages often include treatment costs, pain and suffering, and loss of a loved one.
To learn more about your legal rights, contact the mesothelioma attorneys at Burke & Eisner today for a free claim evaluation.


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