Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, occurring most often in the thin membrane lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or heart.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, asbestos lung cancer, or other diseases caused by asbestos exposure, the lawyers at Hissey Mulderig & Friend can help.
Start your claim today by calling our offices toll-free at 1-855-500-3734, or by sending us a message using our free claims form on the left side of this page.
Mesothelioma Caused By Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous element that was once highly valued as a durable flame-repellant until its carcinogenic properties were widely recognized. Even through the use of asbestos has been discontinued in the United States, asbestos materials that were used decades ago can still be found in more than 3,000 products—mostly in the construction industry.
People who have manufactured, installed, or worked with or around asbestos-containing products are at an increased risk of begin diagnosed with mesothelioma. Also at risk are veterans of the U.S. Navy and merchant marines, workers who were employed at factories or other asbestos jobsites, people who live near asbestos mining areas, and shipyard or dock workers.
Generally, it can take 30 to 50 years after an individual was exposed to asbestos before the first symptoms of mesothelioma cancer or other asbestos diseases appear. Due to the long latency period associated with mesothelioma, patients do not begin to show symptoms of the disease until decades after they were exposed to asbestos. The average life expectancy for patients who have received a mesothelioma diagnosis is only about one to two years.
Types of Mesothelioma Cancer
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that effects the pleural sac, which surrounds the lining of the lungs, known as the mesothelium. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or otherwise ingested, they can migrate through the mesothelium around the lungs and into the pleural cavity, leading to mesothelioma cancer.
Pleural mesothelioma represents about 70% of the total number of mesothelioma cases, making it the most common form of the disease.
When cancerous tumors from pleural mesothelioma develop inside the pleural cavity, they may cause breathing problems due to constricted lung movements.
Individuals who are suffering from pleural mesothelioma may experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Coughing
In some cases, tumors from pleural mesothelioma may make their way into the lungs. When this happens, cancer may spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment for pleural mesothelioma typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos in the lining of the stomach, which is also known as the peritoneum.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, representing about 20% of the total number of cases.
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs on the lining of the abdomen and stomach. From here, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body and cause additional symptoms that may not become apparent until decades later.
The average peritoneal mesothelioma sufferer lives for just 10 months after they receive a diagnosis.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Bowel obstruction
Depending on how far the cancer has spread, surgery may be the best form of treatment for this type of mesothelioma. A patient may also receive chemotherapy in the form of drugs or radiation therapy.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by the presence of asbestos fibers in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, representing about 10% of the total number of cases diagnosed.
Common symptoms that may be experienced by patients with pericardial mesothelioma include:
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
These symptoms are similar to those associated with other types of mesothelioma, which makes it important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, but this option is not preferred. By the time this mesothelioma type is diagnosed, the cancer is too developed to be treated with surgery, which rarely can remove all the tumors.
Radiation therapy is the most common type of treatment and has proven to be successful in some cases.
Start Your Claim Today
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis, or other diseases caused by asbestos, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and received compensation for your disease and the costs of paying for your medical expenses.
To start your claim today, contact the asbestos attorneys at Hissey Mulderig & Friend by calling our offices toll-free at 1-855-500-3734. You can also reach us by sending a message using our free claims form on the left side of this page.