What Is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. It develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue covering vital organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult, as its symptoms often resemble other conditions.
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Dangerous Mesothelioma Symptoms
Early symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure, with most diagnoses occurring around age 60. Symptoms vary depending on the affected area:
Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Sudden weight loss
- Bowel obstruction
- Blood clotting issues
*If you experience any of these symptoms and have a history of asbestos exposure, consult a healthcare professional.
Causes and Risk Factors
Mesothelioma is strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Many occupations, such as factory workers, shipbuilders, miners, and construction workers, carried significant risk due to prolonged contact with asbestos fibers.
Secondary exposure can also occur when family members are exposed to asbestos dust carried home on a worker’s clothing. Additionally, living near facilities that used asbestos increases the risk.
Talc Exposure and Risks for Women
In recent years, research and lawsuits have shown that exposure to cosmetic products such as baby powder that was contaminated with asbestos has resulted in many developing mesothelioma.
Women who used talc-based products in the genital area may be at a higher risk. When inhaled or absorbed, contaminated talc particles can travel through the body and cause inflammation, increasing the likelihood of mesothelioma or ovarian cancer.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Since symptoms can mimic other lung or abdominal conditions, diagnosing mesothelioma requires advanced testing
What test are used to diagnose mesothelioma?
- Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs help identify abnormal tissue and fluid buildup.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken via procedures such as thoracoscopy (chest) or laparoscopy (abdomen) to confirm mesothelioma.
- Staging: Determining the stage helps guide treatment.
Stages of Mesothelioma
- Stage I: Cancer is localized to one side of the pleura.
- Stage II: Cancer spreads to the chest wall or diaphragm.
- Stage III: Cancer penetrates the diaphragm and may involve nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Cancer spreads to distant organs.
What Are My Treatment Options After A Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Treatment for mesothelioma varies based on the cancer’s stage, location, and your health, ranging from surgery and aggressive therapies in early stages to symptom management and supportive care in advanced stages.
Stage I
- Surgery (pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy) to remove tumors.
- Post-surgery treatments vary and may include radiation or chemotherapy.
Stage II & III
- Palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to slow disease progression.
- Participation in clinical trials for new treatments.
Stage IV
- Since a cure is not possible, treatment focuses on symptom relief.
- Options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care.
- Pain management and hospice care are essential components.
New treatments and clinical trials might be available to you!
Workers in These High Asbestos Exposure Jobs May Qualify for Significant Compensation
- United States Navy Veterans
- Shipbuilders
- Miners and drill men
- Offshore rust removals
- Manufactured asbestos products
- Vehicle repair
- Power plants
- Railway workers
- Maritime workers
- Oil refinery workers
- Glazers
- Boiler makers
- Abrasive manufacturers
- Steel mills
- Auto Mechanics
- Hod carriers
- Insulators
- Plumbers
- Merchant marines
- Millwrights
- Operating Engineers
- Painters
- Floor Coverings
- Furnace Workers
- Plasterers
- Roofers
- Sand blasters
- Sheet metal workers
- Laborers
- Longshoremen
- Maintenance workers
- Bricklayers
- Building Inspectors
- Carpenters
- Dry wall workers
- Electricians
Call or Request the Free Packet and Claim Review
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation. Let us help you secure compensation to cover medical costs and help your family.
