What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, which comprises the outer lining around the heart, lungs and stomach, in turn acting as a protective shield for these organs. There are three types of Mesothelioma – Pleural, Peritoneal and Pericardial.

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common, whereas Pericardial Mesothelioma is the most rare among the Mesothelioma types.

What causes the disease?

The disease usually shows up in the people who have had contact with asbestos over a long period of time. One does not really need to be working first-hand with asbestos (in the Asbestos Industry) for being exposed to asbestos; indirect asbestos exposure, say from washing the clothes of someone who works in an asbestos firm, also enhances ones risks of developing Mesothelioma. In such cases, the patient is usually not aware of the presence of asbestos.

What are the symptoms of the disease? How do I know if I have it or not?

You cannot really say that the symptoms of Mesothelioma are enough to detect the disease, as the symptoms are similar to symptoms of many other less serious diseases. However, a patient of Mesothelioma will be experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic coughing, hoarseness, wheezing, fatigue, blood in the phlegm from the lungs when coughing as well as weight loss.

How is the disease diagnosed?

These days there are different procedures to get the disease properly diagnosed:
? Imaging Tests, like CAT Scan, chest X-ray or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be conducted for the diagnosis of Mesothelioma.
? Cytology Test enables the pleural fluid to be analyzed. The Cytology Test, however, scores very less when accuracy of the results is to be considered. Very often, the test-results are negative or inconclusive even when there is the presence of Mesothelioma; hence, it is used in combination with other tests.
? The Needle Biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. The test involves the extraction of a sample tissue by hollow needles, which are inserted into the chest cavity. The accuracy rate of this test is around 40%.
? Open Biopsy is considered the most accurate way of diagnosing Mesothelioma. This test is performed under a general anesthetic. The test permits the extraction of large tissue sample.

How is Mesothelioma treated?

The most common ways of treating Mesothelioma include:
? Radiation Therapy makes use of X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumors. The radiation may come from radioactive materials (radioisotopes) inserted through plastic tubes in the affected area. Sometimes external machines are also used for treating tumors with radiation waves.
? Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells; these drugs are either meant to be taken orally or can be injected. In case of Mesothelioma, the drugs may be injected into the chest directly.
? Surgery is the way to remove cancerous tissue. This is a common procedure for treating malignant Mesothelioma and is known as Pneumonectomy.

How much exposure to Asbestos can make one vulnerable to Mesothelioma?

According to studies, one can be exposed to asbestos for a minimum of one month and suffer the disease later.

How soon are the effects of asbestos felt?

There is no fixed time for the effects to surface; it may take just a few years or a long period of 40 years.

If I get the disease, what legal rights will I have?

If you get the disease, you will be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and suffering. Legal compensation is still available, even though many asbestos companies have gone bankrupt.

Where do I get a lawyer who specializes in Mesothelioma cases?

Many attorneys are fighting for the rights of the Mesothelioma victims. If you or your relative is a victim of this life threatening disease, then you can consult a Mesothelioma attorney for being acquainted with your legal rights.