If you believe that yourself or a loved one has been exposed to Asbestos, whether during employment or otherwise, contact us today to see how we can assist you.
Mesothelioma is a fatal disease, almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims who choose to take action will often qualify for compensation, especially when they can identify exactly when and where they were exposed to asbestos. Courts have found clear legal liability on the part of companies that manufactured asbestos. Mesothelioma gives people who worked with asbestos both serious medical and legal problems. Here’s a quick overview of the medical issues caused by asbestos exposure.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease, attacks the linings of the chest wall and lungs. Pleural mesothelioma can follow asbestosis, which is the scarring of lung tissue caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, but mesothelioma often occurs alone. These symptoms can appear shortly after or exposure, or take more time.
There are other forms of malignant mesothelioma as well, including peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the lining of the abdomen.
Symptoms of mesothelioma often don’t appear until 20, 30, or more years after asbestos exposure but, at some point, they appear as breathing problems or digestive problems. Breathing problems, including shortness of breath and coughing, are common symptoms of lung-based, or pleural, mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the leading cause of mesothelioma. In particular, people who worked in the heating and construction businesses were likely to have been exposed to high levels of asbestos. Millions of Americans were exposed to free floating, airborne asbestos from nearby factories, ship building yards, and asbestos mines and mills that were in operation from the 1930s through the 1970s, however. In a number of instances, spouses or others who regularly handled and washed asbestos-ridden clothing have also contracted mesothelioma.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Mesothelioma is an ultimately fatal disease. But, especially if caught early, it can be treated and often slowed down significantly. Either way, Mesothelioma can cause severe health issues. Depending on how early it’s caught, mesothelioma treatment usually involves drugs, chemotherapy, radiation and, in some cases, surgery.
If you or someone you know have suffered from pain or complications because of Asbestos and Mesothelioma, we are here to help. Simply fill out the form to learn more.
If you’d like to learn more about this hazardous substance, you can read this PDF fact sheet published by NJ.gov