Facts About Mesothelioma

Must Read

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is mainly caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers or dust. The most worrisome aspect of the disease is that by the time a diagnosis is made the cancer has generally progressed to an advanced stage and the prognosis is not good. There are only a few treatment options and more focus is placed on pain management.

This is a type of cancer that forms in the mesothelium, a membrane that lines a majority of internal organs. Mesothelioma cancer is of three types and it is named according to the body organ it is affecting.  In the beginning stages of the cancer mesothelial cells develop abnormalities and divide rapidly. If the condition is not treated it can spread to other areas of the body.

The symptoms of the cancer are dependent on the location of the cancer in the body. However, generally speaking patients may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, abnormal blood clotting, anemia, fever, abdominal pain, obstruction of the bowel and other symptoms. A diagnosis can be made through a biopsy which is done by collecting tissues through a minimally invasive procedure.
The highest risk of mesothelioma is faced by individuals who used to work in industries which process, mine or use asbestos. Before the risk of using asbestos became public it was used widely in various applications such as auto parts, roofing shingles, mining, textiles, insulation and manufacturing fire resistant materials.

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is not only a terrible ordeal psychologically but also financially. There are numerous medical costs that are associated with treatment which just keep on mounting. However the victim can find some relief by filing a lawsuit against the party responsible for asbestos exposure. There are numerous mesothelioma law firms who specialize in this form of litigation. A majority of these firms do not charge any fees up front; they are only paid if the client is rewarded compensation by the courts. This is called contingent fees, something that provides relief for those who are already worried with high medical costs.