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Eight Million People at Risk for Mesothelioma Disease

Today, the link between mesothelioma and asbestos has been amply proven. Stronger government regulations across the world have contributed to greater public awareness of the dangers of asbestos.

Experts have linked the decrease of mesothelioma cases in the U.S. to the drop in asbestos use after 1989. Still, up to eight million Americans may have already been exposed to these deadly fibers. The reality of it’s widespread usage—along with mesothelioma’s high fatality rates and long latency periods—makes this disease especially devastating.

Asbestos fibers are different from other airborne particles because they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, bypassing the lungs’ natural filtration system. Unfortunately, our immune system can do little against these tiny fibers.

Mesothelioma is considered a secondary cancer because it develops in the serous membranes surrounding the lungs and other organs. Although the National Cancer Institute has stated that up to 30% of reported cases of mesothelioma have unknown causes—the only known cause is exposure to asbestos.

Most often, this disease develops in the lining of the lungs, but it can also develop within the linings of the heart and abdomen. For instance, asbestos fibers that are swallowed instead of inhaled remain a danger.
Here are the three types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural—resides in the chest cavity and affects the lining of the heart and lungs
• Peritoneal—initiates in the abdominal cavity and affects the liver, stomach, pancreas, and intestines
• Pericardial, the most rare form, affects the lining around the heart

Pleural Mesothelioma—the Most Common Disease

Pleural mesothelioma disease accounts for almost two-thirds of all malignant mesothelioma cases. The inhalation of asbestos fibers causes chronic inflammation in the pleural lining. This inflammation leads to the abnormal division and growth of pleura cells and the eventual formation of cancerous tumors. Here are some side effects to the disease to watch for:

Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening describes widespread scarring along the lining (pleura) of the lungs. This condition appears in about half the people who have inhaled asbestos over long periods of time and may be non-symptomatic. Some other causes of this may stem from: bacterial pneumonia, infections, tuberculosis, and lupus.

Pleural Plaques

Unlike pleural thickening, pleural plaques rarely form except in cases of asbestos exposure. Pleural plaques can form even with a low-dose, intermittent asbestos exposure.

Pleural Effusion

This is the least common side effect, and can cause pain or extreme discomfort, and which can signify serious disease, such as mesothelioma, or asbestosis. Effusions occur when pleurae produces too much fluid, and manifests in two ways: transudative and exudative effusion. Transudative pleural effusions relate to a problem with abnormal pressure level in the lung (as in congestive heart failure).

Exudative pleural effusions are caused by a disease process in the lung (as in tuberculosis, lung infections, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related pleural diseases). Symptoms of this form may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Hiccups
• Chest pain
• Chest pressure
• Rapid breathing
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

See other symptoms here.

The survival rates of people who suffer from mesothelioma are tragically low after the onset of symptoms. Do not delay. Fill out this form and let our attorneys evaluate your case and determine your chances for justice through a settlement or financial award.