Only an estimated 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually in the United States. With a 5-year survival rate, that means that more than 43,000 people worldwide die from it each year. If a loved one or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s time to educate yourself and others on this rare form of cancer.
Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart and is caused almost exclusively by an exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma typically develops in one of three specific areas:
Pleural Mesothelioma, the most common type, affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs. It is typically caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they travel to the ends of small air passages and reach the pleura, where they can cause inflammation and scarring.Unfortunately, mesothelioma has no known cure and the medical expenses to treat it can get expensive.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, you may have legal rights. Contact our mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers today for a free legal consultation;
Questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
Resources for you:
Backhoe digging asbestos pipe
Mesothelioma is typically seen as a work-related cancer, primarily affecting those who have had prolonged exposure to asbestos. It can also affect family members who may be regularly exposed to asbestos fibers brought into the home. Of course, some people work around asbestos for years and never develop the disease.
The types of occupations where workers may be exposed to asbestos are typically blue-collar occupations, such as:
Education is key. Employers can help prevent mesothelioma by providing general awareness on the use of asbestos, talking to workers regarding the hazards of the substance and performing air monitoring to keep track of the presence of asbestos particles in the work environment, just to name a few.
The latency period for this type of cancer is anywhere from 10 to 50 years before symptoms start to show, making it difficult to diagnose. When signs do start to appear, they can include:
The average life expectancy for one who develops mesothelioma is 12 to 21 months and depends on several factors such as age, stage of the disease and one’s overall health.
Treatment options tend to be limited since it is typically diagnosed in advanced stages.
Resources for You:
Questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
If you would like to receive news and blog updates on a regular basis, sign up to receive our email newsletter. Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter and respond to inquiries.
Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
