What Is Mesothelioma ?

If you have been exposed to asbestos, either directly or indirectly, and are now suffering from common symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue, make an appointment with your doctor today and pursue a diagnosis. You may qualify to participate in a class action lawsuit or receive another form of legal compensation.

Mesothelioma Symptoms?

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain are caused by fluid accumulation in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. Cancer found in the chest lining of the chest is called pleural mesothelioma.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma?

Chest X-rays and CT scans can help diagnose mesothelioma, however, it should be confirmed with a tissue sample (also known as a biopsy) and microscopic examination. Biopsies can be conducted by inserting a tube with a camera into the chest (also known as a thoracoscopy).

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that has been used in a number of products manufactured in the U.S. Because it doesn’t react to electricity and heat, it was considered an optimal material for use in shipyards, mines, mills, heating and construction industries – among others.

Asbestos Exposure

Most people who develop mesothelioma have inhaled asbestos particles in their jobs or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. For example, someone can contract it by washing clothing with asbestos.

Since the early 1940s, millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust. Increased risk has been found among shipyard, mine and mill workers, as well as those in the heating and construction industries. Asbestos was also widely used in cement sheet and pipe products, fire protection materials, brake linings, textiles and roofing materials. It was widely used in industrial plants and housing in the 40’s and 50’s, and many people inhaled the mineral as it decomposed.

Treatment?

Treatment of malignant mesothelioma using conventional therapies has not proved successful and patients have very limited survival time, often up to 12 months, after contraction.