Mesothelioma: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Legal Rights
Mesothelioma is a rare yet aggressive cancer of the thin tissue layer that lines many of the body’s internal organs, most often the lungs. This condition is generally the result of exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonly used in construction, shipbuilding and industrial materials. Because mesothelioma is typically diagnosed decades after a person is exposed to asbestos, it poses immense health and legal challenges.
In this guide, we will discuss everything from what mesothelioma is, to what causes it, how it manifests itself in terms of symptoms, potential treatment options, and how victims can seek justice by using different legal avenues.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that originates in the mesothelium – the lining that surrounds the lungs, heart, abdomen and testes – that can be deadly. It is a rapidly advancing cancer that carries an unrewarding outlook and is commonly misdiagnosed, due to the resemblance of the sign with other respiratory diseases.
Types of Mesothelioma:
Pleural Mesothelioma – Affects the lining of the lungs (Most common)
Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Develops in the insulation of the abdomen
Pericardial Mesothelioma – It affects the lining of the heart
Testicular Mesothelioma – The lining of the testicles (very rare)
Mesothelioma
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure is the the leading cause of mesothelioma. Once inhaled or swallowed, asbestos fibers can be lodged in the lining of the lungs or the abdomen. These fibers, over time, cause inflammation and scar tissue, which can lead to a mutation in cancerous cells.
Some of the more usual places to get exposed from asbestos are:
Building supplies (roofing, insulation, drywall)
Shipyards and naval vessels
Factories, and other industrial facilities
Military, (Navy Veterans in particular)
Old buildings, schools or houses
Exposure due to family members working with asbestos.
Note: Despite regulation, there are still asbestos exposure hazards today within older buildings and industrial materials.
Who is at Risk?
Some people are at an increased risk for developing mesothelioma based on their environment or their job:
Builders and plumbers
Shipyard workers
Military veterans
Miners and factory workers
Electricians and mechanics
Family of the ”outside clothes” wearing employees
Men, not to mention those older than 60, are more likely to be diagnosed due to the lag time of the disease and occupational exposure.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer. It may take 20 to 50 years for the disease to develop after asbestos exposure.
Common symptoms include:
Severe chest or abdomen pain.
Shortness of breath
Chronic cough
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling in the abdomen
Fluid around lungs or stomach
Difficulty swallowing
Symptoms often mimic more-common illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis, so a lot of people are initially misdiagnosed.
It is difficult to diagnose it early because of the long latency. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, and you have ongoing symptoms, it’s important to let your doctor know this.
Diagnosis may involve:
Imagining Tests – X-rays, CT scans, MRIs
Biopsy – The taking of a sample of tissue to establish the cancer.
Blood tests – To check for biomarkers associated with mesothelioma
Pulmonary function tests
After diagnosing, mesothelioma is staged from 1 (localized) to 4 (advanced and metastatic) which also helps treatment plans.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Treatment will depend on the type, location and stage of the cancer and the patient’s general health. No standard treatment is available, but quite a few options can help improve quality of life and lengthen survival.
Specific treatments available are:
1. Surgery
(c) Used to eliminate tumors or diseased tissue
Even better in early-stage mesothelioma
2. Radiation Therapy
It targets and kill cancer cells.
Filter, post-operative or to minimize symptoms
3. Chemotherapy
Cancer cell-killing drugs or drugs that slow the growth of cancer cells
Commonly used in adjunctive to surgery or radiotherapy
4. Immunotherapy
Increases the immune system’s ability to battle cancer
P: What about an exciting new treatment?
5. Clinical Trials
Emerging and Investigational Therapies
May be extra hope for stage IV cases
Mesothelioma Prognosis
Mesothelioma is aggressive, and survival is poor, especially when not caught early.
Average life expectancy: 12-21 months after diagnosis
5-year survival rate: Approximately 10% overall
But the chances of recovery increase with early diagnosis and multiple treatment protocols. A few have lived for years after diagnosis with the appropriate treatment.
Legal Remedies and Compensation for Mesothelioma Victims
Workers were not warned or protected from asbestos exposure in situations where the responsibility to do so was on employers, and therefore victims have a legal right to pursue compensation.
Legal avenues include:
Personal Injury Lawsuits
The direct lawsuits filed by victims against the companies in question.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Brought by representatives of dead victims
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
More than $30 billion that bankrupt companies set aside to pay victims
Veterans’ Benefits
During their military service, veterans can file VA claims and lawsuits if they were exposed
What Compensation Can Pay For:
Medical expenses and travel
Past and future income they could not earn because they missed work.
Pain and suffering
Funeral and burial costs
Caregiver expenses
Average compensation:
Settlements: $1 MILLION TO $2.4 MILLION
Verdicts at Trial: $10-PLUS MILLION
How to Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer
It is important to have an attorney who specializes in asbestos and mesothelioma cases. These attorneys can:
Help trace exposure history
File claims on your behalf
Handle trust fund claims
Maximize compensation
Tip: Select a law firm that provides free consultations and works on a contingency fee (you pay them only if they win).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is all mesothelioma caused by asbestos?
A: Almost all cases of the disease that are diagnosed are connected to asbestos exposure.
Q: Am I barred from suing if the company is bankrupt?
A: Yes. A number of businesses formed asbestos trust funds for victims.
Q: What is the deadline for me to make a claim?
A: Statute of limitations vary depending on the state, but most states either have 1 to 3 years from either diagnosis or death.
Q: Can relatives receive compensation?
A: Yes. By bringing a wrongful-death lawsuit or by filing a claim against trust funds.
Final Thoughts
Mesothelioma is a terrible disease with a clearly identified cause: asbestos. If you or a family member has been diagnosed, be aware of medical options and remember that legal rights exist to pursue compensation.
Early diagnosis, good treatment and teaming up with specialized mesothelioma lawyers can go a long way in your recovery and comfort.
[ This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. ]
