Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers many internal organs. It is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become lodged in the mesothelium and cause cell damage and malignant tumor growth. Pleural mesothelioma (lungs) is most common, but it can also develop in the abdomen or around the heart.

Symptoms vary by type but may include shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, abdominal swelling and pain, bowel obstruction, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Unfortunately, these non-specific symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis at first. It takes an experienced doctor to suspect and accurately diagnose mesothelioma.

In most cases, mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once heavily used in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and other industries for its durability and fire resistance. However, inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can cause cell damage that eventually leads to mesothelioma and other diseases. Smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly increases mesothelioma risk.

There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. People exposed frequently over months or years in high-risk occupations are most at risk. However, even low-level or indirect environmental exposure can be enough to cause mesothelioma decades later. Family members of exposed workers can also develop mesothelioma.

Anyone who has worked with or around asbestos-containing products may have been exposed, including construction, shipyard, power plant, and factory workers. Families of exposed workers are also at risk. Veterans exposed while serving in the military have very high mesothelioma rates. People living near asbestos mines or facilities can also be affected.

Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In early stages, aggressive surgery can sometimes remove tumors. Chemotherapy aims to kill remaining cancer cells but mesothelioma resists chemo. Radiation helps ease pain and symptoms. Experimental treatments through clinical trials may also help. Multimodal therapy that combines these approaches is most common.

Prognosis is poor, with most patients surviving 12-21 months after diagnosis. Early diagnosis when the cancer is still localized offers the best prognosis. Palliative care can help mesothelioma patients remain comfortable. Joining a clinical trial may give access to promising new therapies. Some patients can live several years with aggressive treatment.

Yes, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed initially. Seek a second opinion from a specialist at a dedicated mesothelioma center. These experts can provide the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment recommendations based on their extensive experience with this rare cancer.

Filing a lawsuit can provide much-needed financial security to cover hefty medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that arise after a diagnosis. Mesothelioma lawyers have successfully recovered compensation from companies responsible for toxic asbestos exposure. They manage the entire legal process so victims can focus on their health.

Reputable mesothelioma firms work on contingency, meaning there are no upfront costs and they only collect fees if you receive a settlement. They take care of all costs, so patients pay nothing out of pocket. Contingency means accessible legal help for victims when they need it most.

You may recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs. Experienced lawyers maximize compensation by identifying all parties liable for asbestos exposure and securing funds from asbestos bankruptcy trusts. Settlement amounts often reach well into the millions of dollars for mesothelioma victims.

Each state sets a strict statute of limitations on filing asbestos lawsuits. In Florida, it is 4 years from diagnosis. Given the prognosis, it is crucial to act quickly to file your claim in time. An experienced lawyer ensures the process moves swiftly.