Law Offices of Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason
More than 25 Years Helping People with Mesothelioma the Asbestos Related Cancer
What Is Mesothelioma?
Each year some 3000 people in the United States are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer usually associated with exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma tumors occur in the thin membranes that line the lungs, abdomen or heart. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is very serious. Although many cases are fatal within two years, early diagnosis and proper treatment can often lead to a good prognosis and extended survival.
The three main types of mesothelioma are:
* Pleural Mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lung;
* Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity;
* Pericardial Mesothelioma, which occurs lining of the heart
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, followed by peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is exceptionally rare. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a mineral commonly incorporated in insulating and fire retardant materials. Asbestos was widely used in manufacturing and construction through the mid–1970’s. Its use continued in asbestos cement products, automotive brakes and gaskets into the 1990’s.
Asbestos cancer victims tend to be men ages 50 and up, though nearly anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can contract the disease. Most victims are industrial and construction workers but asbestos fibers from workers’ clothing exposed family members as well. Children and spouses of industrial workers have developed mesothelioma as a result of household exposures.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, a chronic cough, chest and back pain, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and weight loss. Other symptoms may include weakness, abdominal pain and nausea. Mesothelioma can occur as the result of very low levels of exposure to asbestos fibers. It often takes several decades for signs of the disease to surface.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may wish to consult with one of the doctors listed on our Mesothelioma Treatment Centers or Mesothelioma Doctors pages of the website.
Early Detection of Mesothelioma is Imperative
The diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually made by a pathological review of tissue taken from the tumor. Pathologists use a series of immunohistochemical stains to distinguish between mesothelioma and other types of cancer.
When detected early enough and treated by an oncologist with experience treating mesothelioma, a patient’s prognosis may be much better than the average. Early detection is vital. Treatment protocols used for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, surgical removal of tumor, and post–surgical radiation.
