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Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer almost always linked to contact with asbestos. Typically, people suffering from mesothelioma have a history of asbestos exposure. Exposure may have been for a period as short as a few days.
If you or a loved one suffers from mesothelioma, you should seek the legal advice of a skilled, experienced asbestos attorney at Cooney & Conway today. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation.
With mesothelioma, the tumor invades the mesothelium - the lining of tissue that surrounds vital organs. By far the most common is pleural mesothelioma - cancer of the lining of the lungs. The next most common is cancer of the lining of the abdomen or peritoneal mesothelioma. Very rarely, mesothelioma manifests in the lining of either the heart or testicles.
Symptoms
The mesothelium has two layers: one around the organ itself and another forming an outer sac. Between these two layers is a fluid that aids organ movement. Mesothelioma causes the mesothelial cells to multiply and to produce excess lubricating fluid. Ultimately, the mesothelium becomes a thick, tumorous coating of the organ accompanied by excessive fluid. This coating and fluid prevent complete, comfortable expansion of the lung.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Lumps
- Weight loss
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Localized pain to the particular cancerous lining
- Swelling and fluid buildup
- Shortness of breath
- Painful breathing
- Fever
- Respiratory infection
- Fatigue and anemia
- Digestive problems
- Bowel problems
- Fever
Diagnosis is a medical and scientific one made with tissue under a microscope after biopsy. Doctors perform a variety of tests t to determine how advanced the cancer is, including x-rays, blood tests, pathologic tests, endoscopic ultrasound, bronchoscopy, CT scans, lung-function tests, MRI, and PET scans.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma can metastasize or spread into the organs themselves or to other areas of the body. Methods of treatment are often palliative - to alleviate symptoms and slow the progress of the disease.
Treatment
Treatment can include surgery to excise the mesothelial and surrounding tissue, chemotherapy, drug regimens, drug trials, gene therapies, radiation, draining of fluid followed by the injection of medication, etc. Research into new treatment methods continues at major research hospitals. Current patients may be eligible to participate in experimental treatments to help future victims of mesothelioma.
Risks
About 2,000 people in the US are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Risk factors include:
- History of exposure to asbestos
- Being male
- Advancing age
- Living with someone who had concentrated asbestos exposure at work
- Living in a country with a history of asbestos mining or industrial use
While the vast majority of mesothelioma patients have a history of asbestos exposure, only a fraction of those with exposure develop mesothelioma.
Conclusion
Because of the dangerous actions of asbestos companies and others people who have been injured or killed. The courts allow suits for recovery agains those responsible. For more information contact a knowledgeable asbestos lawyer at Cooney & Conway.
