Mesothelioma is a very serious form of cancer. The signs and symptoms of the disease usually appear long after the exposure to asbestos. These may include problems with breathing, pain or swelling in the abdomen, pain under the rib cage and unexplained weight loss. Symptoms may also appear in the form of continuous cough, fever, blood clotting and anemia. However they may vary depending on which organ has been affected.
Causes of Mesothelioma
According to the National Cancer Institute, the chances of developing Mesothelioma go up if you are exposed to asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is a tumor in the Mesothelium, which is a tissue around the lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs. The disease typically starts in the lungs, but may also develop in other organs like the abdomen. It can turn out to be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). You may even develop symptoms of the disease if you live with somebody who works near asbestos.
Asbestos Exposure Leads to Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found in soil and rock. Due to the strength and heat resistance of asbestos, it is used in building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Asbestos has also been widely used in many manufactured products. If the Asbestos containing material is disturbed or damaged in any way, it releases tiny fiber particles into the air. Exposure to the fiber may occur during product use, construction or building activities, demolition work and home maintenance and repair.
Therefore, you need to be particularly cautious if your house is being renovated or repaired, or if you are involved in demolition or construction work. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to find out if asbestos containing materials were being used at your workplace. World health Organization (WHO) reports that around 125 million people in the world experience asbestos exposure at their workplace.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mesothelioma
Doctors usually rely on imaging tests and biopsy as methods of diagnosis. Malignant mesothelioma is often found at a very late stage, and so makes it harder to treat it as well. Treatment methods generally include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The exact treatment method used will depend on the size and stage of the tumor, age and general health of the patient and the type of mesothelioma cancer cells.
Considering the large amount that typically needs to be spent on the physician's fees and medical procedures, the treatment of mesothelioma may drain your financial resources. Therefore, you need to take precautions, identify asbestos exposure in your surroundings, and if diagnosed with the disease, you need make yourself aware of your legal rights.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to determine if it has developed due to the exposure to asbestos containing materials. It is a very serious disease, which besides causing a lot of pain and suffering may prove to be very expensive to treat as well. Therefore, you should promptly see a mesothelioma attorney who particularly deals with related cases. The attorney will inform you about your legal rights and options and will assist you in filing a law suit against the manufacturer of asbestos-containing material. You may also be eligible to make a claim for the compensation for the loss incurred.
To request for more information related to your case, please fill out the form given on this page.
Q:Can you tell me about the signs of mesothelioma?
A:Those who are exposed to asbestos fibers and consequently develop mesothelioma, exhibit a number of symptoms. If you or loved ones experience symptoms like swelling on arms and face, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, sweating, shortness of breath, cough, pain in lower back or chest, vomiting and nausea, swelling or build up of fluid in the abdomen, and belly; you should contact a physician urgently.
Q:I have been experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma, and I might have contracted the disease at my work place. Can I get compensation?
A:If you have been exposed to asbestos fibers and have developed mesothelioma as a result, you can file a lawsuit to gain compensation for your suffering, medical expenses, and loss of income. It is advisable that you contact an asbestos lawyer, who will determine the strength of your case, and the will guide you the procedure as well.
Q:Can you tell me about the causes of mesothelioma?
A:Asbestos is the major reason for mesothelioma, as it negatively affects human cells. Mesothelioma develops when cells in the body suffer damage to their DNA. DNA is the chemical which produces genes, and some genes control the growth and division of new cells. Changes in these genes cause cells to grow of control leading to cancer.
Q:How much compensation can I get if I am experiencing clear symptoms of mesothelioma?
A:If you or loved one has been exhibiting symptoms related to mesothelioma and if there has been an exposure of asbestos in the past, you may file a lawsuit to gain compensation. The exact amount of compensation will be determined by an asbestos lawyer, who will determine the strength of your case based on various aspects.
Q:What's the best way to file a lawsuit after Mesothelioma diagnosis?
A:If mesothelioma is diagnosed in a patient and there has been exposure of asbestos in the past, the best way to file a lawsuit is by contacting an asbestos lawyer. Since asbestos lawyers have experience in these particular cases, they are likely to be more effective in guiding you the procedure and helping you in getting compensation.
Q:What are the different options for mesothelioma treatment?
A:The type of mesothelioma treatment you get will depend on your diagnosis. Treatment is mainly of two types: curative and palliative. Curative treatments like surgery aim to remove cancer from the body. If your treatments don't metastasize you should have surgery. Other options include chemotherapy and radiation. Palliative treatments will make you more comfortable while living with cancer and the goal will be to improve quality of life.
Q:How can a mesothelioma attorney help me get compensation for my illness?
A:Mesothelioma attorney are experts in mesothelioma cases. If you choose a mesothelioma attorney for a lawsuit against a company or employer, you will be in a better position to get compensation. The attorney will determine the strength of your case, estimate your compensation, and will know the right procedure to precede the case.