Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos is inhaled into the body and forms malignancies on the mesothelial, or protective sac linings, of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
Mesothelioma has three principal types. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is the most common and accounts for approximately 90% of cases. This type of mesothelioma is usually first recognized by the development of pleural plaques on the lungs. The other two types of mesothelioma are peritoneum, which affects the lining of the abdomen, and pericardium, which affects the lining of the heart. All types of mesothelioma can be either contained to one area or dispersed throughout the body.
Mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men versus women. Often the disease is not diagnosed until a person has reached their 50's to 70's due to a long latency period between first exposure and development of symptoms.
There are three major histological types of mesothelioma: sarcomatous, epithelial, and mixed. Epithelial refers to the extent to which the tumors have affected the internal coverings of the small cavities within the body. Epithelium is divided into types based upon the numbers of layers and shape of the superficial cells. Sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise from connective and muscle-cell tissues.
Exposure to asbestos has been clearly established as a main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral known for its thermal and fire proofing properties, was once widely used in many industrial and construction products. Occupational exposure is the most common; however it can occur environmentally as well.
It is estimated that over 8 million people in the United States have been exposed through the course of employment. Occupations most at risk are construction and railroad workers, naval and automobile mechanics, and ship repair workers. Family members can also be exposed second hand through asbestos being carried home on clothes or the body.
In the United States, over 2500 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed per year. Anyone living in a contaminated area, such as near large former or current asbestos mines, is at a higher risk of developing an asbestos related illness.
Unfortunately, no known cure exists to date. Median survival is less than a year, although some may live up to five years. There is a longer survival rate for those diagnosed with epithelial histology versus sarcomatous or mixed.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma is difficult to establish. If you have a known history of exposure to asbestos and are experiencing any adverse health symptoms, consult with your doctor right away. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, find a pathologist or occupational medicine specialist that you feel comfortable with.
The cost of treating mesothelioma is high. Legally, you may be entitled to receive monetary compensation. Employers should have protected against exposure and manufacturers should have placed warning labels, therefore an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you to get financial recovery to cover costs of medical treatment and loss of wages.
Early diagnosis of mesothelioma can make all the difference. Do not hesitate to consult with a mesothelioma specialist if you know or suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos and are currently experiencing related symptoms.
Mesothelioma has three principal types. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is the most common and accounts for approximately 90% of cases. This type of mesothelioma is usually first recognized by the development of pleural plaques on the lungs. The other two types of mesothelioma are peritoneum, which affects the lining of the abdomen, and pericardium, which affects the lining of the heart. All types of mesothelioma can be either contained to one area or dispersed throughout the body.
Mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men versus women. Often the disease is not diagnosed until a person has reached their 50's to 70's due to a long latency period between first exposure and development of symptoms.
There are three major histological types of mesothelioma: sarcomatous, epithelial, and mixed. Epithelial refers to the extent to which the tumors have affected the internal coverings of the small cavities within the body. Epithelium is divided into types based upon the numbers of layers and shape of the superficial cells. Sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise from connective and muscle-cell tissues.
Exposure to asbestos has been clearly established as a main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral known for its thermal and fire proofing properties, was once widely used in many industrial and construction products. Occupational exposure is the most common; however it can occur environmentally as well.
It is estimated that over 8 million people in the United States have been exposed through the course of employment. Occupations most at risk are construction and railroad workers, naval and automobile mechanics, and ship repair workers. Family members can also be exposed second hand through asbestos being carried home on clothes or the body.
In the United States, over 2500 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed per year. Anyone living in a contaminated area, such as near large former or current asbestos mines, is at a higher risk of developing an asbestos related illness.
Unfortunately, no known cure exists to date. Median survival is less than a year, although some may live up to five years. There is a longer survival rate for those diagnosed with epithelial histology versus sarcomatous or mixed.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma is difficult to establish. If you have a known history of exposure to asbestos and are experiencing any adverse health symptoms, consult with your doctor right away. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, find a pathologist or occupational medicine specialist that you feel comfortable with.
The cost of treating mesothelioma is high. Legally, you may be entitled to receive monetary compensation. Employers should have protected against exposure and manufacturers should have placed warning labels, therefore an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you to get financial recovery to cover costs of medical treatment and loss of wages.
Early diagnosis of mesothelioma can make all the difference. Do not hesitate to consult with a mesothelioma specialist if you know or suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos and are currently experiencing related symptoms.
About the Author:
Sally Clapper is a representative for the mesothelioma attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason, one of the leading plaintiffs' mesothelioma law firms in the nation. The firm's asbestos cancer lawyers have been representing people with mesothelioma throughout the United States for over 25 years.
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