ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA

What is Mesothelioma? How do you get 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.

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. Each year 2,500 to 4,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can cause injuries.

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, miners, and others (more about occupational hazards).

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s 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 those frequently used prior to 1970 do carry exposure risks. 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, grinded, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise manipulated, banged or damaged, they could have released significant asbestos fibers into your home. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma, even 15-30 years later.

SYMPTOMS

Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, primarily due to the non-specific nature of patient symptoms. The onset of mesothelioma symptoms is usually very slow, and may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The following symptoms are frequently reported by those with mesothelioma. CONTINUE >>

DIAGNOSIS

The early detection of mesothelioma is critical to the patient outlook and in determining applicable treatment options. However, mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose for a variety of reasons. Read about initial evaluations, diagnostic tests, imaging scans and more. CONTINUE >>

DISEASE STAGING

Staging is a method of evaluating the progress of cancer in a patient. It looks at the mesothelioma and the extent to which it has developed and its possible spread to other parts of the body. CONTINUE >>

TREATMENT OPTIONS

While there is currently no known cure for malignant mesothelioma, treatments are available with the most common being surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your doctor will recommend one treatment or a combination of therapies that are best for your situation. CONTINUE >>

CLINICAL TRIALS

There are a number of medical centers in the U.S. and elsewhere that specialize in one or more types of mesothelioma treatment. Finding experienced medical specialists and networking with other sufferers through support groups are both important steps in the mesothelioma treatment process and can affect your prognosis. CONTINUE >>

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

We understand that your primary concern is receiving the best possible medical treatment, but you may be eligible for compensation that can provide financial relief. 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. Click here to learn more about your legal options