Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an agressive type of lung cancer that mostly results from being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos containing prducts include automobile break pads and clutches, paints, cement, ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, pottery and fire-retardant clothing just to name a few.

Mesothelioma is a term used to describe a cancerous tumor that can attack the lungs, heart or abdominal organs. There are two types of mesotheliomas, peritoneal and pleural.

The most common type of mesothelioma is the pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not chafe against the chest walls. Thus, a pleural mesothelioma is often referred to as a “lung” cancer.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symtoms include:

- Wight loss
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Belly pain

Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the peritoneum, which is the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen. While peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, it tends to be more invasive, and may thus result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. Mesothelioma has also been found in the stomach and other abdominal organs.

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include:

- Trouble swallowing
- Tireness
- Weight loss
- Progressive loss of appetite’
- Fluid in the ches cavity called “Pleural effusions”
- Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back
- Fever
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cough

What if I am Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

After diagnosis, it is important to understand your treatment options. Your doctor or oncologist will provide you with information on the treatments that are available to you.

It is also important to know about your legal rights. If you have mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease, you were most likely exposed to asbestos. Many of the manufacturers of asbestos insulation products knew for decades that asbestos was hazardous, yet made a business decision not to warn people of those hazards. As a result, you may have a right of recovery against those manufacturers, which can help defray the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.