Let’s start by covering the basics. Malignant Mesothelioma; what is it, and just as important, how did you get it? What are the stages and symptoms? How do you treat it? And, if you are diagnosed with it, how do you protect yourself and your family from the financial burden this life altering illness can cause?
What is it?
Malignant Mesothelioma (referred to as mesothelioma in this article) is a form of cancer. It typically affects the lining of the lungs and the abdominal cavity. There are four common types of mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and is generally a tumor that develops in the chest cavity and areas which surround the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second most common type of this illness and it refers to tumors which develop in the lining of the abdominal area. Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare type of this disease and generally presents as a tumor which affects the tissues and membrane which surround the heart. The rarest type is Testicular Mesothelioma which affects the lining of the tissues that surround the testicles.
How do you get it?
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos containing particles. Most of us, at some point in our life, may have been exposed to asbestos at home or at work. Asbestos was widely used in many construction projects and household products for several decades. Anyone working in a factory that produced asbestos products or asbestos containing materials or a construction company using these materials or renovates buildings where these materials may have been used is at greater risk for further exposure.
However, just because you’ve been exposed to asbestos does not mean you will get mesothelioma. It is most commonly found in individuals who have had frequent exposure to asbestos over a long period of time.
What are the Stages and Symptoms?
There are four stages of Mesothelioma, and symptoms vary by stage and type. It can take up to 30 years before any symptoms appear, and can be hard to detect in the early stages.
Typically early symptoms include feeling tired and/or having a persistent cough or shortness of breath. You may think you have a common cold or flu virus, or are just feeling “off.†While this may be true in many cases, check with your doctor if you have concerns about your symptoms, particularly if they last longer than usual.
In later stages, symptoms are usually more severe and easier to diagnose. Typically they include increased chest pain and shortness of breath, weight loss and decreased appetite.
What are the Treatment Options?
There are a number of treatment options available to individuals who have mesothelioma. They usually include chemotherapy and surgery, and medical researchers are continuing to explore alternate methods of treatment. When the condition is suspected, your doctor will utilize a process called “mesothelioma staging.†This will allow your physician to determine if the cancer has spread to various internal organs or the lymph nodes. Two terms which you may hear are localized malignant mesothelioma and advanced malignant mesothelioma. Localized malignant mesothelioma is cancer which has not spread beyond the initial tumor, while advanced malignant mesothelioma is the stage in which the cancer is spreading.
Your doctor will carefully create a treatment plan just for you, based upon the stage that you are in, the location of the cancer, gender, age, and any other relevant health factors. Be sure to seek a second opinion if possible.
How do I Protect Myself and My Family?
While wading through all of the medical information you may not have thought about your rights under the law. If a diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma has been given, NOW is the time to make sure you and your family are protected. While many laws have been passed regulating the use of asbestos since it was linked to cancer, there are cases where employers have cut corners, exposing their employees to this harmful material. While most of us don’t enjoy the idea of taking our boss to court, a lawsuit might be justified in this case. This is a serious and, quite frankly, expensive disease. If a third party has had a hand in your contracting of it, then it is important to make sure your rights have not been violated - check with a legal firm who specializes in representing individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
In your search for a lawyer, you’ll want to look carefully at your options. You’ll want to find an attorney who specializes in this kind of personal injury, and in particular someone experienced in representing “plaintiffs†(the injured party). You’ll want to talk to a few different attorneys, and do research on line. Ask them about their track record, how many cases have they fought, how many wins and how many losses have they had. In particular, work to find a lawyer who has had experience in dealing with cases related to asbestos exposure.
