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A background discussion of the disease.
Detailed descriptions of the three types of mesothelioma.
The most common risk factors & diagnosis.
Several treatment options and clinical trials are presented.
Legal implications associated with mesothelioma.
A causal connection between asbestos and mesothelioma.
Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare and serious form of thoracic (chest) cancer. The malignant cancer cells originate in the protective sac lining of the chest or abdomen.
The most common form of the disease is Pleural Mesothelioma which is a cancer of the lung and chest lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma, although a less common form than pleural, affects the lining of the stomach.
Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are related to occupational exposure to asbestos. Typically, exposure is for a significant period of time, and usually involves working with or near asbestos products. Therefore, those who work with or around asbestos, and products containing asbestos, are at risk for contracting mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer.
Patients exhibit mesothelioma symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain in the lungs or chest, pain in the back, and a pain or swelling in the abdominal area. Weight loss, fever, and coughing can also indicate the onset of mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can also include nausea, vomiting and bowel obstruction.
The disease progresses quickly, so obtaining medical attention at the first sign of related symptoms is critical to improving the success of treatment.
Malignant mesothelioma is usually first diagnosed through x-ray. The mesothelioma doctor may also use a thoracoscope for diagnosis. This involves making an incision in the chest wall. A biopsy is removed and studied under a microscope.
There are several mesothelioma treatment options available, including surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy. The type of treatment that is chosen depends on the type of mesothelioma, the age and condition of the patient, the stage of the disease and the location of the disease. Clinical trials are studying new and innovative means of treating mesothelioma.
In many cases, the manufacturers of asbestos and asbestos related products were aware of the potential risks and damages associated with the material. This knowledge has led many mesothelioma patients to consider mesothelioma lawsuits against the makers of asbestos. Mesothelioma law is now a very highly specialized niche within the legal profession. Mesothelioma attorneys have had great success in litigating the injuries of those suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.
