What is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that results from prolonged exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was once widely used across Washington State and which can still be found in certain materials like piping, insulation, and machinery. Â When left alone, asbestos doesn’t pose much of a threat to those around it. However, if the mineral is disturbed in any way, fibers will be released into the air and those who breathe them in can develop extensive health complications the worst of which being mesothelioma cancer.
There are three different kinds of mesothelioma, each affecting a different area of the body. Below are details on each of these cancer forms and common symptoms:
- Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and makes up about 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fluid buildup, and a persistent cough.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) and accounts for between 20 to 25 percent of all known mesothelioma cases. Common symptoms include stomach pain, fluid buildup, sudden and unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite, nausea, blood clots, and fever.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma targets the heart. The most common symptoms of this type of mesothelioma cancer are chest pain, fatigue, fluid buildup, and heart murmurs. Of all the variations of mesothelioma, this is by far the most difficult to detect and diagnose.
Is There a Cure for Mesothelioma Cancer?
As of the moment, there is no cure for mesothelioma. However, if the cancer is caught early enough, victims may be able to see improvement in the disease through medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. While these treatments can’t completely eliminate mesothelioma, they can help ease patient pain, stop the progression of the cancer, and extend  a victims life by at least three years.
But despite these treatment options, most mesothelioma victims aren’t diagnosed in time for them to work. It can take at least 40 years for the cancer to manifest, and by the time symptoms present themselves, the cancer has usually progressed beyond the point that medical treatment can help. Because of this, it is imperative that victims and their loved ones seek legal assistance with an experienced Washington mesothelioma lawyer.
If you have mesothelioma, you are not alone. Over 2,500 new cases of the rare, asbestos-related cancer are diagnosed each year. Worst of all, several more victims go untreated and many others may not even be aware that they have the disease.
If you suspect you might have mesothelioma or have been diagnosed, contact a mesothelioma lawyer in Washington near you as soon as possible. You may be entitled to a slew of benefits that you might not even be aware of. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our featured mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about your rights and legal options.
