An Overview of Mesothelioma

Asbestos Exposure Leading Cause of Rare but Deadly Cancer

Mesothelioma, which is sometimes referred to as asbestos cancer, is an aggressive disease caused primarily by the inhalation of dangerous asbestos fibers.

The disease attacks the mesothelium, a protective, two-layered membrane that covers the internal organs of the body including the lungs, heart and abdominal organs.

Between these layers, the cells produce fluid, which allows easy movement of the heart and lungs within the chest cavity. The layer that covers the lungs is called the pleura, and the layer that covers the heart is called the pericardium. The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity.

Mesothelium also lines the male and female reproductive organs. Mesothelioma can affect any of these cells, but is usually seen in the pleural or peritoneal mesothelium.

The most commonly diagnosed form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It can take 20 to 30 years — even as long as 50 years — for mesothelioma symptoms to appear, which is why older men are usually the victims.

However, recent cases involving September 11th World Trade Center first responders and clean-up crews show that high concentrations of asbestos can cause the disease to develop much more rapidly. A few WTC workers have already died of the disease.

Symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing
• Pain under the rib cage
• Pain or swelling in the abdomen
• Lumps in the abdomen
• Weight loss for no known reason

The high cost of treatment and poor prognosis for patients with Mesothelioma make legal representation important for many victims of this disease. Our mesothelioma lawyers understand that you have a choice in selecting your legal counsel. Our experience with asbestos cases, and our combined eighty years of trial experience give our clients an advantage that many firms simply cannot offer. In addition, we have a medical doctor who is also a mesothelioma lawyer, who can provide invaluable expertise in handling Mesothelioma lawsuits.

If you are in need of a mesothelioma lawyer, please contact our asbestos law firm today.