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Asbestos / Mesothelioma

There are two types of cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung Cancer

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by Asbestos exposure many years before the cancer develops. Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the Mesothelial cells of an organ. Mesothelial cells are cells that form a protective lining over the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common type of Mesothelioma is pleural Mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not rub and chafe against the chest walls.

Where was I Exposed to Asbestos?

The main risk factor for Mesothelioma is Asbestos Exposure. The use of the material has been banned in the United States since approximately 1975, but about 8 million Americans may already have been exposed through various jobs, such as:

• Miners
• Ship Builders
• Factory Workers
• Railroad Workers
• Automobile Mechanics
• Construction Workers

Mesothelioma Symtoms

• Chest and Lower Back Pain
• Difficulty Breathing
• Coughing/Coughing up Blood
• Weight Loss
• Muscle Weakness and Sensory Loss
• Swelling of the Face and Arms
• Hoarseness

Unfortunately, the early Mesothelioma symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for minor ailments because they are not specific to the disease.

FACT: There are approximately 3,000 or more new mesothelioma cases being diagnosed each year!

Significant exposure to any type of asbestos will increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including asbestosis, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, and pleural effusions.

Other Conditions Associated with Asbestos

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term disease of the lungs. Asbestosis is not a cancer. Inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate and inflame lung tissues, causing the lung tissues to scar, causes asbestosis. The scarring makes it hard to breathe and difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide pass through the lungs. Asbestosis generally progresses slowly. The latency period for the onset of asbestosis is typically 10-20 years after the initial exposure. The disease can vary from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to disabling and potentially fatal.

Signs and Symptoms of Asbestosis can include:

• Shortness of breath is the primary symptom
• A persistent and productive cough (a cough that expels mucus)
• Chest tightness
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling.

Pleural Abnormalities

Persons with significant exposure to asbestos are at risk for developing various types of pleural (lining of the lungs) abnormalities. These abnormalities include pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleural calcification, and pleural mesothelioma.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that invades and obstructs the lung's air passages. Cigarette smoking greatly increases the likelihood of a person developing lung cancer as the result of asbestos exposure. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are cough, wheezing, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, and labored breathing. Other symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, hoarseness, and anemia. People who develop these symptoms do not necessarily have lung cancer, but they should consult a physician for advice.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Asbestos cancer, you may be entitled to compensation from negligent companies who have large funds available to compensate injured workers.

Our attorneys have filed numerous individual claims on behalf of asbestos victims, and have the experience that is necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.