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Mesothelioma – Symptoms, Causes and Life Expectancy

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining around the heart, lungs, and abdominal cavities, which is called the mesothelium. The reason behind this disease is asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos, which is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral or asbestos-related products, when asbestos fibers enter the body, by either breathing in the tiny asbestos fibers or swallowing them, can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancer called mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma causes the cells of the mesothelium to mutate and multiply infinitely. It is this mutation that causes tumors that prevent proper lung and heart functions. Studies have shown that mesothelioma can also invade parts of the immune system, including the spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.

Synonyms of Mesothelioma

  • malignant mesothelioma
  • MM

Subdivisions of Mesothelioma

  • malignant pericardial mesothelioma
  • malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
  • malignant pleural mesothelioma

General Discussion on Mesothelioma

There is currently no known cure for malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos is a silicate mineral which is used in various industries, such as the construction industry, the tyre industry, and some others. This illness is commonly found in workers who are related to the mentioned industries.

Asbestos exposure is extremely fatal, and this is so well known that there are many laws regarding the diseases caused by its exposure. With time, mesothelioma has become a billion dollar industry as governments have devised laws and regulations for the victims to claim compensation from their employers whose negligence caused this disease.

As the name suggests, mesothelioma derives its name from the word mesothelium, which is the membrane lining that guards the internal vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and stomach and holds them in place against the chest walls. This membrane is very important to the body and damage to this lining can result in life-threatening diseases and is considered critical. This lining is damaged as a result of exposure to asbestos as it gets stuck in the lungs when inhaled with air.

The air that we breathe goes to our lungs, where it gets filtered. If asbestos is present in the air that we inhale, it gets stuck in the lungs and doesn’t come out when exhaled. If there are large amounts of asbestos in the inhaled air, it will damage the lungs and the mesothelium permanently. Consequently, the victim will likely face mesothelioma.

This disease is a silent killer as it shows its symptoms after decades of exposure to the substance, thus making the victim so helpless that he only has less than a year of survival time.

Mesothelioma can only be slowed down If it is diagnosed at early stages. There are treatments and surgical resections that can slow down the spread of the tumor and prolong the life of the victim by some years. but there isn’t any permanent cure.

Death from this disease is inevitable; it’s only a matter of time. If someone is diagnosed at the start of the disease, they are suggested to undergo surgical resections before the tumor spreads to other parts of the body. The treatment for this lung cancer is an expensive one with low survival rates; consequently, the victim, once diagnosed with mesothelioma, has less time to think and has to take action immediately.

Health Problems Abound With Mesothelioma

Millions of people around the world have been exposed to deadly chemicals. Some of these can cause no major issues at first. That’s the case with asbestos, as millions of people worked with, lived under, and even had some of the items fall on them without any danger. The issue doesn’t manifest immediately, but after time, mesothelial cells start to become rogue and cause serious problems for people later in life.

Mesothelioma is a disease that many people contract in the lungs and can cause serious problems. If not caught early, the cellular damage can be immense and death can even result. It’s for that reason that many are looking into medical attention, and help with the bills that can pile up as a result of trying to maintain optimal health overall. Men and women that have to deal with the issue will want to look into compensation and help that can come from a good lawyer.

Battling cancer, and other issues is a tough thing to go through. Not only does a person have to be strong and hope that the medications, surgeries, and other treatments are effective, but the bills involved are very hefty. Even with a good insurance plan, people that are dealing with issues related to mesothelioma, will have to pay out of pocket for a lot of different things. These costs could rise upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. With such high costs, it’s no wonder that many give up the fight and have to deal with the sickness without recourse.

If you or someone you know is dealing with this issue, don’t hesitate to look for help. There are some great firms that can help and they go to war in court for the rights of people. That’s correct, every person has rights that may have been trampled on due to the exposure that they had to deadly chemicals. Even if it was 10, 20, or 30 years ago, the issues that come as a result to the exposure to asbestos is very much real. It can manifest decades later and cost a world of hurt and cost even more to alleviate. Do not allow anyone to take away the rights of your family, look into hiring an attorney and see greater good come as a result.

Legal teams that are dedicated to helping people of all backgrounds get restitution for health issues associated with exposure to asbestos are standing by and can help.

This is not about lawsuits, it’s about getting help when it’s needed most. For those that are dealing with the issues of rogue mesothelial cells and damage due to the sickness, it’s important to get help immediately. Financial assistance is just a small part of the bigger picture.

This is not something that is frivolous or meant for those that are looking for a pay day. In fact, many people will find out that legal teams will not represent just anyone, it requires more than just filing a claim. The least you could do is simply ask to speak to an Mesothelioma attorney and see if you have a case.

Mesothelioma Can Lie Dormant For Many Years

The cancerous cells of mesothelioma can lie dormant for many years before a victim begins to show signs of illness. It is not uncommon for the beginning stages of mesothelioma to appear as many as 30 years after initial exposure.

It is this one key reason that prevention of asbestos exposure is of absolute importance. Because mesothelioma is known to lay dormant for years, often by the time symptoms appear it is too late to for treatment to make a difference in survival. Currently survival rate ranges from 1 to 5 years depending on the stage of mesothelioma, when it is diagnosed, as well as the overall health condition and age of the victim.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma. Treatment ranges from chemotherapy, radiation treatment and preventive surgery, however, none of these treatments will cure this dangerous cancer. Treatment is designed to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms.

Years ago, it was not uncommon for asbestos companies to know the risk involved with the manufacturing of their products and the resulting asbestos exposure. Many companies did little or nothing to help provide their employees with protection. Some companies were even accused of ignoring the dangers of asbestos exposure to make a profit.

If you are fearful that you have been exposed to asbestos and fear that the exposure has caused you to contract mesothelioma, then you have the right to seek restitution for your loss. Seek an experienced mesothelioma attorney for advice.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer. Don’t allow yourself to remain in denial. Seek medical treatment immediately. Many treatments can help to relieve some symptoms of mesothelioma.

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