Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive and lethal form of cancer that most commonly attacks the thin layer that surrounds the internal organ of our body. It often develops as a result of long-term exposure to toxic substances, such as asbestos. If you believe you have been exposed to or inhaled asbestos fibers, you should seek immediate attention from a medical professional to rule out a diagnosis of Mesothelioma.
Historically, asbestos was used in the manufacturing of various products in the 19th and 20th century because of its resilient properties and resistance to heat Thousands of products we use every day were made using asbestos, including adhesives, insulation, gaskets, pipe coverings, cement, and countless others. Now, the use of asbestos has been banned as a result of its hazardous threat, but many products still contain traces of asbestos and many today are suffering from the long term effects of being exposed to this lethal substance. For example, many of our homes and buildings that were built prior to 1980 still contain these carcinogenic products because they have not been removed.
Sadly, exposure to asbestos is very common in occupations that involve working in mines, railroads, and on trains. When asbestos has been inhaled, the particles settle in a person’s lungs and pose severe and detrimental effects on one’s health for years to come, and most often the rest of their life. These effects are not readily visible and may develop over a long period of time. Symptoms of asbestos-related mesothelioma may not surface for 30 to 50 years after one was exposed to asbestos. In fact, studies have shown that millions of people have suffered from the hazardous effects of asbestos exposure that took place in the 1940s. Therefore, you may not be aware of of the presence of mesothelioma. It is crucial that you seek the advice of a cancer specialist (Oncologist) as soon as possible. It is imperative that you are tested for lung cancer or asbestosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to the successful treatment and to slow the natural progression of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos and any other toxic substance.
The currently known types of mesothelioma are:
- Pleural Mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is the most common. It is extremely detrimental to the lungs because it adversely affects the lungs ability to contract and expand. If you have been diagnosed with this type of cancer it is crucial that you seek medical treatment. An estimated 10% of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma will live longer than 3 years after beginning treatment. Sadly, a vast majority of pleural mesothelioma patients will live less than a year after being diagnosed.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma. The second most common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is often found in the thin lining of the abdominal cavity. This affected membrane is what allows surrounding organs to be able to contract and expand. Peritoneal mesothelioma can develop when asbestos reaches the abdomen after making its way through the lungs or if asbestos fibers have been ingested. According to statistic, only about 200-500 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are reported in the United States each year. Prognosis for this illness is poor. Common treatments for this type of mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation and in some cases, surgery.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is a type of a cancer that affects the lining of the heart, and it is the rarest out of all of the types of mesothelioma. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is caused because of asbestos exposure. This is the only known cause of pericardial mesothelioma. Doctors believe this type of mesothelioma makes its way to the heart’s lining after it is absorbed into the bloodstream. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are suffering from shortness of breath, are experiencing trouble breathing, or have chest pain, it is strongly recommended that you be tested for pericardial mesothelioma.
- Testicular Mesothelioma. Testicular mesothelioma is a very rare form of mesothelioma and it is one that is very hard to diagnose. Often times testicular mesothelioma will show as a lump that can easily be overlooked by a physician and leads to a delayed diagnosis. Failure to diagnose testicular mesothelioma can have devastating consequences. If left undiagnosed, this type of cancer can quickly spread to other organs and parts of the body such as the lungs and the heart. If you have suffered because of a doctor’s negligence or have lost a loved one as a result of mesothelioma wrongful death, you may be entitled to compensation.
All types of mesothelioma can pose life-threatening risks and dangers. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at any point in time, we strongly encourage being tested for mesothelioma. Early detection is imperative in the treatment of this disease. A t Spital & Associates, we will provide an experienced San Diego mesothelioma lawyer to help fight for your rights as a result of your employer’s negligence &/or as a result of the misconduct of anyone else.
The experienced personal injury lawyers of Spital & Associates have represented numerous clients in medical malpractice cases and work-related injuries, including asbestos-related mesothelioma. We frequently work with expert attorneys along with forenwsic professionals, doctors, and nurses to obtain the advice and testimony to help you win your case. If you have been exposed to asbestos, your health may be at risk. You may be entitled to monetary recovery from the manufacturers of products made with asbestos. Furthermore, if a physician has endangered your possibility to seek the necessary medical treatment for your mesothelioma as a result of misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Do not hesitate to contact Spital & Associates at (619) 583-0350 from 7:00am to 9:00pm daily.
Main Offices
8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 800
San Diego, CA 92108-1642
Telephone: 619-583-0350
Fax: 619-583-1850
Downtown Associate Office
Of Counsel – Bill O’Connell, Esq.
110 West C Street, Suite 1300
San Diego, CA 92101-3978
Associates available 7am-9pm daily.
Call (619) 583-0350 or send us an e-mail.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
