Mesothelioma Causes, Types, Progression, and Support

Mesothelioma Causes, Types, Progression, and Support | Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer that predominantly affects the lining of vital organs like the lungs and abdomen.

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos, an indestructible fiber, becomes a persistent presence in the body once inhaled or ingested. Despite stricter regulations in effect since the 1970s, asbestos continues to be legal in the United States.

Asbestos was widely used in various products, including construction materials, plumbing insulation, electrical components, and even vehicle brakes. Trade professionals, veterans  and occupations who worked with and around asbestos were exposed to asbestos containing  materials. These workers bear the highest risk of developing an asbestos related disease.

Secondary exposure to asbestos, such as through family members or residing near industrial sites, also poses a significant concern. Numerous companies concealed asbestos’s dangers, further jeopardizing workers and the public.

Mesothelioma Variants

Mesothelioma can manifest in various anatomical locations within the body, leading to diverse types:

  1. Pleural Mesothelioma: This type targets the lining of the lungs and accounts for approximately 75% of all cases. Regrettably, it is often misdiagnosed as lung cancer.
  2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Located in the abdominal lining, this type constitutes 10-20% of diagnoses. Symptoms encompass abdominal swelling, nausea, and weight loss.
  3. Pericardial Mesothelioma: The rarest form, it evolves around the heart, bearing a grim prognosis averaging just six months. Symptoms encompass heart murmurs and an irregular heartbeat.
  4. Testicular Mesothelioma: This uncommon variant affects the lining of the testes, with patients potentially living for two to three years with appropriate treatment.

Mesothelioma Progression

Mesothelioma progression exhibits variability among patients and often remains undetected for extended periods. There are four discernible stages:

  • Stage 1: At this juncture, cancer is confined to the initial site (lungs, abdomen, heart, testes). Surgery may emerge as a viable option, offering the longest life expectancy.
  • Stage 2: Cancer begins its extension beyond the initial site.
  • Stage 3: As cancer progresses further, it begins to affect organs.
  • Stage 4: Cancer spreads extensively throughout the body, resulting in a bleak prognosis with an average life expectancy of merely one year post-diagnosis.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, discharges toxic dust upon disturbance. Its heat-resistant properties rendered it widely prevalent in construction materials until the late 1970s. Workers involved in the installation, repair, or removal of asbestos-containing products bore exposure to hazardous asbestos dust. This encompassed professionals in blue-collar vocations like roofers, plumbers, electricians, and military personnel.

Even in contemporary times, asbestos continues to pose risks. Asbestos is still found in older structures and in common items such as talcum powder. Exposure to asbestos can result in severe health complications, including mesothelioma.

Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis

Manifesting symptoms of mesothelioma typically require over two decades post-exposure, leading to frequent misdiagnoses. These symptoms often overlap with those of other syndromes and diseases, thus delaying an accurate diagnosis. Individuals with a history of asbestos exposure are urged to seek multiple medical opinions to ensure a precise mesothelioma diagnosis.

Legal Recourse

Those affected by asbestos exposure, and their families, may be eligible to seek compensation, including  product liability claims, bankruptcy trusts, workers’ compensation, or wrongful death claims. However, the state of New York imposes stringent limitations on the filing of such lawsuits, emphasizing the necessity for prompt legal action. Get legal help.

Seeking Support

Mesothelioma patients and their families can access emotional and financial support through an array of resources, including informative materials and specialized support groups. These resources offer solace and guidance during the challenging journey of dealing with this disease. Throughout this website, you will find various resources to help you obtain the support you need.