Mesothelioma

It is a well known fact that Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. With this disease, malignant cells will develop in the mesothelium which is a protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs. It is most common site is the pleura which is the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall. Mesothelioma can also occur in the peritoneum which is the lining of the abdominal cavity, the heart, the pericardium which is a sack that surrounds the heart or tunica vaginalis.

Many people that are diagnosed with mesothelioma are people that have worked on jobs where they were exposed to asbestos particles. Some people may have been exposed to asbestos in other ways. Even something as simple as being around someone that has asbhestos fibers and dust on their clothes can also put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma. Smoking is not a cause of mesothelioma lung cancer. Compensation for people with mesothelioma can be provided through asbestos funds or lawsuits.

Lawsuits against the manufactor's of asbestos and asbestos related products are very common and very often are settled for millions of dollars. Since there is no cure the settlements do little to help the effected person.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and you have any of these symptoms you should see a doctor to get checked out. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma you should contact an attorney in your area for legal advice.