What Is Mesothelioma?

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a dangerous type of cancer that can result in significant disability and death. It is most often the result of work-related asbestos exposure and can require lengthy and costly treatment.

At Menges Law Firm, our dedicated mesothelioma attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience. We are focused on helping those who suffer from this deadly cancer — and their families — get the financial recovery to which they are entitled from the companies that exposed them to the dangerous substances that caused their disease. We can help you with cases against both viable and bankrupt companies, often without even filing a lawsuit — contact us today to find out what options are available to you.

The Different Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and is most often contracted by people who work in industries where asbestos exposure is routine. At Menges Law Firm, we are skilled at prosecuting cases that involve asbestos exposure that leads to mesothelioma. With over 50 years of combined experience, our lawyers understand what it takes to fight for you and help you obtain the settlement or verdict you deserve.

It is imperative to note that mesothelioma may manifest in any other body part, but one immediate sign is swelling or a mass around the area. When symptoms occur, visit a doctor as soon as possible to determine if you are affected by an asbestos-related illness. However, due to the rarity of this cancer, it is essential to note that some signs and symptoms may not mean one has this illness. Ask for an evaluation of symptoms and openly acknowledge if you have had any asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma is best defined by the body part it affects. In this section, we will go over the different types:

Pleural Mesothelioma

This cancer affects the tissue around the lungs. The most common symptom is shortness of breath. This tumor typically grows on the outer surfaces of the lungs, right next to other structures such as the diaphragm, ribs, and chest wall.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma:

• Pain while coughing
• Chest pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual lumps of tissue are seen popping on the skin around the chest
• Fever
• Reduced chest expansion
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness
• Swelling of the face and arms

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

A rare type that affects the tissue around the abdomen.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal swelling
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal fluid build-up

Pericardial Mesothelioma

A cancer type that affects the heart lining tissue is called the pericardium. It is a sporadic disease with symptoms such as thickening of the pericardium, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma:

• Chest pain
• Heart murmurs
• Dyspnea or difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Arrhythmia

Testicular Mesothelioma

A rare cancer that is easily mistaken for other testicular illnesses, such as epididymitis, causing inflammation of the testicles. This accounts for only 1% of all mesothelioma cancer diagnoses.

Symptoms:

• Lump in the scrotum
• Pain in the testicles
• Hydrocele
• Enflamed testes

What Causes Mesothelioma?

This illness usually starts in the chest cavity but can also start in the abdominal cavity or surrounding the heart. There are many causes and risk factors that we will cover below. Working with Asbestos is the leading cause. Asbestos is composed of tiny fibers. Asbestos has been mined and utilized extensively because of its resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals and because it does not carry electricity.

The mineral fibers may be breathed in or ingested if discharged into the air during production, causing major health concerns. Asbestos exposure at work has been related to as many as 75% of cases.

There’s also evidence that living with asbestos workers puts family members at risk. The asbestos dust was transported home by workers. People who live near asbestos mines have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma.