Mesothelioma is an aggressive and lethal type of cancer that most commonly attacks the thin layer that surrounds internal organs. Mesothelioma often develops as a result of long-term exposure to toxic asbestos. If you believe you have been exposed to or inhaled asbestos fibers, you should seek immediate attention from a medical professional.
Because of its resilient properties and resistance to heat, asbestos was highly used in the manufacturing of various products in the 19th and 20th century. Thousands of everyday products were made using asbestos, including adhesives, insulation, gaskets, pipe coverings, cement, and many others. Although the use of asbestos has been banned as a result of its hazardous threat, many products still contain traces of asbestos. Many homes and buildings that were built before the 1980s still contain these carcinogenic products.
Exposure to asbestos is most common in occupations that involve work in mines, railroads, and trains. When you inhale asbestos, these particles settle in your lungs and pose severely detrimental effects on your health for years to come. 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 you have been 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 medical professional 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 slowed progression of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos.
There are currently four known types of mesothelioma:
- 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 have been exposed to asbestos at any point in time, we strongly encourage you being tested for mesothelioma. Early detection is imperative to treatment for this disease. An experienced San Diego mesothelioma lawyer at Spital & Associates can help fight for your rights if you are suffering as a result of your employer’s negligence or as a result of your physician’s.
The experienced personal injury lawyers of Spital & Associates have represented numerous cases of medical malpractice and work-related injuries, including asbestos-related mesothelioma. We frequently work with medical professionals, doctors, nurses and physicians and always strive to seek the advice and testimony of a professional 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. Contact a knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney in San Diego, CA at Spital & Associates: (619) 583-0350.
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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.
