Mesothelioma Medical

Exploring the Silent Latency Period of Mesothelioma

January 22, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

The mesothelioma latency period refers to the time between initial exposure to asbestos and a diagnosis. It is primarily a “silent” one because it can take 10-50 years before one is diagnosed with mesothelioma. The latency period can be shorter or longer than the 10-50-year range depending on factors such as one’s gender, age, time of initial exposure to asbestos, and individual health conditions.

The Silent Latency Period of Mesothelioma

As earlier mentioned, it can take 10-50 years between the initial asbestos exposure and a mesothelioma diagnosis. Once you inhale asbestos fibers, the body cannot eliminate them. These fibers can remain in the lungs or other tissues, causing irritation for decades before symptoms of mesothelioma finally appear. This long latency period is why most individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are over 65 years, when the mesothelioma is very aggressive, resulting in a poorer prognosis. So, why does mesothelioma take such a long time to be diagnosed? There are several reasons why this is the case, as highlighted below:

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

January 16, 2025 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is an uncommon and aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. If you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be wondering what to do next. While seeking immediate medical care should be your priority, understanding your legal rights is crucial. This is not just about seeking justice but also about securing your financial future and that of your loved ones. Let us dive into the rights you have after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Right to Compensation

If you or someone close to you has received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may qualify for compensation to help you cover the medical care you need, lost income, and other related damages. While compensation may not help cure mesothelioma, it can help pay for your medical bills, including future treatment and palliative care, while providing much-needed financial security for your loved ones.

Tips for Celebrating the Holidays With Mesothelioma

December 26, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

There are many reasons to look forward to the holidays. The holidays are a time for loved ones to get together to enjoy traditions and create cherished memories. It is a time to give and receive gifts and eat delicious meals. However, for mesothelioma patients, the holiday season can bring unique challenges. Unfortunately, mesothelioma patients do not get a break from having cancer just because it is the holiday season, the same way people get a break from school or work. Mesothelioma, a cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, can cause pain and other symptoms that can make it difficult for patients to enjoy the festive season. Mesothelioma treatment and the side effects that come with it can also cause difficulties that interfere with the holiday spirit. However, it is not impossible for mesothelioma patients to fully enjoy the holidays. This article shares some tips to help mesothelioma patients enjoy the holiday season.

Modify or Create New Traditions

Instead of worrying about which tradition may be difficult to participate in, it can be helpful for mesothelioma patients to adjust their traditions to accommodate their health. This can include changing travel plans, the way decorations are done, or making simple meals. For instance, mesothelioma patients can ask family or friends to help with decorations. And if traveling is challenging, mesothelioma patients may consider hosting a holiday gathering at home. As a family member or friend to someone with mesothelioma, consider having a get-together at your place if the patient will be too stressed having guests.

Can Mesothelioma Be Prevented?

December 5, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the tissue layer that covers most internal organs, is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals. These minerals, which occur as masses of strong, flexible fibers, were widely used in the 20th century to insulate, strengthen, and fireproof many commercial items and products. Asbestos can be found in finished products such as walls, pipes, tiles, cement, insulation, roofing shingles, ceiling tiles, and many more. Because asbestos is the biggest risk factor for mesothelioma, reducing exposure to this substance is the most effective way of lowering the risk of mesothelioma development. This article explores how people can protect themselves from asbestos exposure and, thus, from developing mesothelioma.

Understanding How Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma

As mentioned already, the leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a hazardous mineral that used to be common in many industries, including construction, shipbuilding, insulation production, and automotive manufacturing. The use of asbestos has significantly declined over recent decades. When asbestos is left undisturbed, it is generally not dangerous. When this substance is disturbed or damaged, or when it deteriorates, tiny, microscopic fibers are released into the air, which can be inhaled or ingested. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in the mesothelium. Over time, this can result in inflammation or scarring, which can then lead to the development of mesothelioma.

Weakness and Fatigue in Mesothelioma Patients

October 20, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the mesothelium (the protective membrane covering most internal organs), is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for mesothelioma. However, there are several mesothelioma treatment options. After a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma and undergoes treatment, they may experience weakness and fatigue. The cancer itself, treatment, poor nutrition, and other factors are to blame for the weakness and fatigue mesothelioma patients experience. Below is more on weakness and fatigue in mesothelioma patients.

Weakness vs. Fatigue?

Weakness and fatigue are two words that are often used together or interchangeably. However, while related, weakness and fatigue are not the same thing. Weakness is the lack of physical strength or the ability to exert force with muscles. A weak person may find it hard to move or have difficulty moving parts of their body. Weakness makes it hard to perform tasks that require muscle strength, such as lifting items, climbing stairs, etc. Weakness can end up causing fatigue.

Can a Person Live a Normal Life With Mesothelioma?

October 16, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer. Every year, there are about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases in the United States. This disease, which develops in the mesothelium (a membrane that covers the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testes), is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. There is still no cure for mesothelioma, but there are several treatment options. However, it can be notoriously challenging to treat mesothelioma, mainly because this illness is often diagnosed at a later stage when symptoms have become more severe. That said, it is possible to live a life that remains as normal as possible after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Read on to learn more.

Understanding Mesothelioma

Before discussing the possibility of a “normal” life with mesothelioma, it is crucial to first understand this illness. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium (the tissue covering most internal organs). Mesothelioma is mainly caused by asbestos exposure. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases fibers into the air, which can be inhaled or ingested. Over time, these fibers damage the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testes, leading to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning that it may take a long time for mesothelioma symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Often, mesothelioma is diagnosed when it is in its later stages. This late diagnosis makes it difficult to treat mesothelioma and often results in a poor prognosis.

Mesothelioma vs. Asbestosis

August 5, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos, a mineral once praised for its heat resistance and insulating properties, has become known for its health hazards. When a person is exposed to asbestos fibers, they can develop various illnesses, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Even though both of these illnesses are caused by asbestos, there are several differences. However, mesothelioma and asbestos also share some similarities. This article discusses the differences and similarities between mesothelioma and asbestosis.

What are Mesothelioma and Asbestosis?

Mesothelioma and asbestosis are diseases that develop after a person is exposed to asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, a thin membrane that protects most internal organs. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can get lodged in the mesothelium, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, mesothelioma may develop. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal lining, the heart lining, and the testicular lining.

Managing Mesothelioma Pain

August 4, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops after a person is exposed to asbestos fibers. This disease primarily develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Often, mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma can cause many debilitating symptoms. One of the debilitating symptoms of mesothelioma is severe pain. Managing pain is a crucial aspect of treatment aimed at improving a patient’s quality of life. In this article, we look at what causes mesothelioma pain and how this pain is managed.

What Causes Mesothelioma Pain?

Mesothelioma pain arises due to several factors related to the illness’s progression and impact on the body. The following are the main causes of mesothelioma pain;

Tips for Mesothelioma Patients to Help Dealing With Panic Attacks

August 3, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Most people with cancer experience some level of anxiety. Anxiety means feeling worried, uncomfortable, or scared. A cancer patient may experience anxiety at different times during treatment and recovery. It is normal for cancer patients to experience some level of anxiety. According to one particular study, almost 30% of all cancer patients experience anxiety at some point in their cancer journey. However, while anxiety is common among cancer patients, some patients experience more severe symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks. Mesothelioma patients may experience panic attacks due to several things, including fear of worsening symptoms, the stress of the diagnosis, and uncertainty about the future. While panic attacks are not common among mesothelioma patients, they can and do sometimes happen. Unfortunately, panic attacks can significantly lower the quality of life. Thankfully, there are several methods of dealing with panic attacks.

How Do Panic Attacks Feel Like?

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort. Panic attacks can happen suddenly or in response to a trigger, and they typically occur within minutes, resulting in significant stress and disruption to daily life. According to the American Cancer Society, panic attacks often reach their worst within about 10 minutes. During a panic attack, a person may feel like they are being smothered. They may feel like they are having a heart attack or even dying.

Is Mesothelioma Curable?

July 28, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is one of the illnesses that can develop after a person is exposed to asbestos. This cancer mainly affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This illness is rare, with statistics showing that 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States yearly. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is extremely aggressive, given its evasion of diagnosis and long latency period. It can take up to 60 years or more after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma symptoms to show, and some of the symptoms of mesothelioma can mimic those of other illnesses. It can be difficult to treat mesothelioma because of its later onset and rapid progression.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a question that might be on your mind is whether there is a cure for this disease. In this article, we answer this question. Read on.

Understanding Mesothelioma