ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA

Definition of Mesothelioma

"Mesothelioma  (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum." - National Cancer Institute.

Cause of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos.  Mesothelioma victims have either inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers which then travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane lining the lungs. Mesothelioma can also develop in the abdominal (peritoneal) area of the body.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is from exposure to asbestos. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.  Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.  Each year 2,500 to 4,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma. 

Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos fibers usually occurs in at-risk workplace environments. Those at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma include workers handling or installing insulation, roofers, electricians, and miners.  There are many other occupations that pose a risk to the workers for exposure to asbestos.  

Industrial and trade workers' families may be put in jeopardy to contracting mesothelioma through asbestos particles that cling to the workers' clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as para-occupational exposure.

Exposure to asbestos can also occur in the home. Asbestos exposure in the home could have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos; however products made prior to 1970 pose a risk of asbestos exposure. Products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe covering, cements, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. If these products were mixed, ground, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise disturbed, they could have released significant asbestos fibers into your home. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms

The onset of mesothelioma symptoms is usually very slow, and often mimics pneumonia.  Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and fever.  This information is provided for your information only, and should not take the place of a full medical diagnosis.  If you are experiencing any of the identified symptoms, consult your doctor right away. CONTINUE >>

Diagnosis

The early detection of mesothelioma is critical to the patient outlook and in determining applicable treatment options.  To establish risk factors and the presence of mesothelioma, your physician will complete a medical history that includes questions to help determine the time frame and environment in which you may have been exposed to asbestos.

In addition to developing your medical profile and detailed medical history, a complete physical examination will be performed.  CONTINUE >>

Stages of Mesothelioma

Staging is a method of evaluating the extent of cancer in a patient. The doctor will evaluate the mesothelioma and the extent to which it has developed and spread to other parts of the body.  The stages of the cancer are represented on a scale of I to IV, with stage IV being the most progressed manifestation of the disease.  CONTINUE >>

Treatment Options

Your doctor will recommend one treatment or a combination of therapies that are best for your situation. The course of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the disease, the stage of the disease, your age, overall health and your preferences.

The three primary treatments are surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.  Doctors will often use two or more treatment courses jointly to provide the maximum likelihood of success. This “multi-modal” approach holds the most promise for survival of malignant mesothelioma patients.  CONTINUE >>

Clinical Trials

If you are one of the people diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, clinical trials may offer the best available treatment and the opportunity to receive new, potentially more effective therapy than those generally available.  A  number of medical centers in the U.S. and elsewhere specialize in one or more types of mesothelioma treatment.  CONTINUE >>

Legal Assistance

We understand that your primary concern is with receiving the best possible medical treatment.  Due to the unique medical issues surrounding mesothelioma, treatment can become costly and strain your financial resources.  You may be eligible for money damages that can help cover your medical bills. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or are worried that you might have mesothelioma, knowing your legal rights can help protect you and your family.  CONTINUE >>