Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and military applications mostly for its ability to be molded into almost any shape, as well as its heat-resistant properties. Unfortunately, the widespread use of asbestos attributes to 3,000 annual diagnoses even to this day.
Asbestos was once commonly used in vinyl flooring tiles, home insulation, auto parts-such as brakes and gaskets, and even in everyday appliances like ovens. The mineral found extensive use in industrial applications for pipefitting, steamfitting, and other heavy-duty insulation and gasket-making applications. Asbestos was once widely used in military applications aboard Navy ships in engine rooms.
One of the main complications with mesothelioma is its latency period – the time between exposure and diagnosis, which can be anywhere from 20 years to 50 years, leaving patients with diminished treatment options upon diagnosis. The type of mesothelioma discovered can also further complicate matters. The three main types of mesothelioma are:
- Pleural mesothelioma (most common) affecting the lining of the lungs,
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the tissue surrounding the abdominal cavity, and
- Pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the tissue surrounding the heart.
Because pleural mesothelioma is the most common, its symptoms typically resemble those of lung cancer, including persistent coughing, fever, fatigue, weight loss, hyperhidrosis, and shortness of breath. Sadly, these same symptoms also mimic a whole host of other more benign medical conditions, which can complicate a physician’s diagnosis.
Because a mesothelioma diagnosis is often made in the latter states of the disease’s development, patients often do not have traditional cancer treatments as an option, including surgical intervention. Typically, doctors often pursue a course of either chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Researchers are also conducting multiple clinical trials involving immunotherapy, where the patient’s own immune system is taught to target and destroy mesothelioma cancer cells.
While research and progress continues to be made each and every day, there is still no cure for mesothelioma and most patients pass away within just two-years of receiving their mesothelioma cancer diagnosis. Although nothing can undo this harm, the law does give victims the right to file asbestos cancer lawsuits against the companies who made the dangerous products responsible for the individual’s disease.
By filing a mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, plaintiffs can recover compensation for their medical bills and lost wages while undergoing treatment. Additionally, the law gives plaintiffs the right to recover compensation for the pain and suffering endured while living with the disease and the overall impact it has had on the health and life expectancy of the person.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.