Mesothelioma Home Page
Mesothelioma:
An Overview
The
Clock Is Ticking
Our Toughest
Cases
Diagnosis
Symptoms,
Stages, Treatment
Latest News
New
York Numbers
Asbestos
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma: An Aggressive Cancer
Mesothelioma claims the lives of about 3,000 people in the U.S. every year. It is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining covering internal organs such as the lungs, abdomen and heart.
What causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma cancer is most frequently caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in many everyday products because it is durable, flexible, heat resistant and inexpensive. People who work with asbestos products and their household members are at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer. Even though working with asbestos products involves a risk of developing mesothelioma, this risk is significantly reduced if protective equipment such as respirators are used when working with asbestos products. Tragically, many companies in the asbestos industry did not provide workers with protective equipment or even warn about the dangers of asbestos even though they knew of those dangers. This knowledge was concealed by many companies in the interest of profits. The law allows people suffering from mesothelioma to hold asbestos companies accountable for the harm they caused.
Research has indicated that there may be other causes of mesothelioma. Radiation utilizing thorium dioxide has been linked to the development of mesothelioma. Zeolite, a mineral that is chemically related to asbestos has been identified as a potential cause of mesothelioma. Simian virus 40 (SV40) has also been suggested as a possible cause of mesothelioma but additional research is needed to confirm this possibility. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the vast majority of mesothelioma cases are due to asbestos exposure. The law recognizes that asbestos product manufacturers and employers were negligent and the law allows people suffering from mesothelioma to hold asbestos companies accountable for the harm they caused.
Products that can Potentially Cause Mesothelioma
Products containing asbestos can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma. These products become dangerous when they release asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers can be released when the product is cut, hammered or otherwise physically disturbed. Some asbestos containing products are: cement siding panels, vinyl tiles, drywall jointing materials, thermal spray, gaskets and brake pads. People who work with these products e.g., mechanics, construction workers, electricians, sheet metal workers and boilermakers are at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers that these products can release and developing mesothelioma disease.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are three major types of mesothelioma. They are named after the areas of the body that they affect. The types are: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma.
It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma symptoms are not unique to mesothelioma but may be indicative of other health conditions. Thus, it is important to consult a medical professional to confirm that symptoms exhibited are actually that of mesothelioma.
How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed with various medical tests. X-rays reveal pleural thickening, a common condition that arises after asbestos exposure and can be indicative of mesothelioma. CAT scans and MRI scans also detect mesothelioma. These scanning techniques produce more detailed images than x-rays. A biopsy is conducted to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of suspicious tissue for examination by a doctor. The examination reveals whether the tissue has been affected by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Treatment Techniques
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should explore all mesothelioma treatment techniques with your doctor. Most mesothelioma treatment techniques primarily provide relief from mesothelioma symptoms. Mesothelioma treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Surgery involves the physical removal of parts of the body that have been affected by mesothelioma so that the cancer does not spread to additional areas of the body. Radiation therapy is often applied after surgery to eligible patients. Radiation therapy involves the use of energy waves to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy involves the use of a drug regimen to treat mesothelioma. This treatment technique has shown promise n improving the survival rate of mesothelioma patients. Immunotherapy involves manipulating the immune system of a mesothelioma patient so that it attacks mesothelioma cancer cells. Ordinarily, the immune system only attacks substances that are foreign to the body. Therefore, the immune system generally does not attack cancer cells because cancer cells are produced by the body. Immunotherapy strives to trick the immune system into perceiving cancer cells as foreign to the body. The mesothelioma treatment PDT (photodynamic therapy) uses light of a particular wavelength to kill mesothelioma cancer cells.
Mesothelioma Support Groups
You do not have to fight mesothelioma alone. Reach out to family and friends and ask them for help. Meet other people who are living with mesothelioma and learn how they are coping with the illness. One way to meet other mesothelioma patients is by joining a mesothelioma support group. The following is a list of some mesothelioma support groups and mesothelioma support websites. Visit their websites and learn more about them.
Justice for Mesothelioma Patients: Weitz & Luxenberg Lawyers
Mesothelioma is often caused by the recklessness of companies in the asbestos industry that failed to warn of the dangers of asbestos and failed to provide protective equipment to prevent asbestos exposure. Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers have been representing people suffering from mesothelioma since 1986. Since that time, Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma attorneys have won billions of dollars for mesothelioma patients. This money has helped people with mesothelioma pay for expensive medical care and support their loved ones. The Weitz & Luxenberg law firm accepts mesothelioma cases from all regions of the U.S. and some regions of Canada. For a free case review from a leading asbestos lawyer, complete the form on this page.
1 - 800 - 476 - 6070
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
High Risk Jobs for Asbestos Exposure: Free Mesothelioma Lawsuit Review