Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs (pleura), although it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), heart (pericardium), or testicles (rarely). This cancer is primarily linked to exposure to asbestos fibers, which were commonly used in various industries for their heat resistance and durability. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of the organs, leading to inflammation, scarring, and eventually the development of cancerous cells.

Individuals with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos, such as workers in construction, shipbuilding, automotive repair, and manufacturing industries, are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, secondary exposure can also occur through contact with asbestos-contaminated clothing or materials brought home from the workplace.

Due to its long latency period, mesothelioma often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making it challenging to treat. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

As a result of the known link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, many individuals diagnosed with this cancer have sought legal recourse through mesothelioma lawsuits. These lawsuits aim to hold asbestos manufacturers and negligent employers accountable for failing to protect workers from asbestos exposure. Compensation obtained through mesothelioma lawsuits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial burdens associated with the disease, providing some measure of justice and support for affected individuals and their families.


Frequently Asked Questions About Malignant Mesothelioma

What are the common symptoms of malignant mesothelioma?

Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma may include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen.

How is malignant mesothelioma diagnosed?

Malignant mesothelioma is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests (such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans), biopsies, and fluid analysis. These diagnostic methods help confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine its cell type.

What are the treatment options for malignant mesothelioma?

Treatment options for malignant mesothelioma may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and individual preferences.

How does asbestos exposure lead to mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or other organs, leading to inflammation, scarring, and eventually the development of cancerous cells.

Can I file a lawsuit if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you explore your legal options and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Three Main Malignant Mesothelioma Types

Three main types of Malignant Mesothelioma are; [1] Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs and chest wall), [2] Peritoneal Mesothelioma (abdomen), [3] Pericardial Mesothelioma (heart).

Pleural Mesothelioma:

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 80% of cases. It develops in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura, due to exposure to asbestos fibers. Accounting for 75% of all Mesothelioma cases, it has a survival rate between 6-18 months. Symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, and unexplained weight loss. Pleural mesothelioma forms in the pleura, the soft tissue that covers the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Standard treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, aimed at improving symptoms and extending survival. Treatment options typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, with the goal of improving symptoms and extending survival.


Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second most common type of malignant Mesothelioma cancer, which develops on the protective lining surrounding the abdominal cavity [peritoneum] and accounts for about 20% of all diagnosed fatal Mesothelioma cases. The prognosis for patients diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma is generally poor. The survival rate of a patient diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma will depend on tumor grade, gender, age, cancer stage and type of treatment. Twenty-five percent of Peritoneal Mesothelioma patients survive three years after diagnosis.


Pericardial Mesothelioma:

Pericardial Mesothelioma, an exceptionally rare form of cancer, affects the pericardium, the protective lining around the heart, constituting only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases, with fewer than 150 reported instances. Prognosis for patients with Pericardial Mesothelioma tends to be poorer compared to other types, such as Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, palliative care to manage symptoms, and surgery when feasible. Due to its rarity and challenges in diagnosis, early detection and aggressive treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and extending survival for individuals with Pericardial Mesothelioma.


Mesothelioma Death Mortality Rates

More than 30 million tons of toxic asbestos were used in U.S. manufacturing and products during the 20th century. It is estimated that 27.5 million Americans were exposed to toxic asbestos between the years 1940-1979. U.S. Courts are holding asbestos manufacturers liable for mesothelioma-caused deaths from asbestos exposure.

Higher numbers of mesothelioma cancer from asbestos exposure are reported in places where people lived near oil refineries, construction sites, power plants, factories, shipyards, steel mills, military bases, aluminum plants, railroad yards, asbestos mines, and building demolition sites.

  • According to the Center for Disease Control study, the national mesothelioma death rate is 13.8 per one million people per year.
  • The second-highest death rate from malignant mesothelioma is among industrial chemicals workers.
  • The third-highest death rate from malignant mesothelioma is among construction industry workers.
  • Higher rates of mesothelioma deaths were reported among female school teachers.
  • Mesothelioma death rates are highest in patients who were 75 years of age or older.
  • Six states had a mesothelioma death rate that was greater than 20 per 1 million people per year.
  • Shipyard workers and the shipbuilders industry have the highest proportionate death rates for malignant mesothelioma cancer.
  • The World Health Organization in 2012 estimated that nearly 120 million people are exposed to harmful asbestos in the workplace.
  • According to the International Labor Organization, recent statistics estimate that nearly 100,000 workers die each year because of overexposure to asbestos.
  • Age influenced the mesothelioma mortality death rates, with those 75 years old and older totaling 8,858 total mesothelioma deaths.
  • Studies suggest that some of the women who died from mesothelioma may have been exposed to asbestos from secondhand asbestos exposure.
  • A recent asbestos study showed that 1 in 125 U.S. males will die of mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease that live older than age 50.
  • Men are diagnosed with mesothelioma more often than women, with males comprising more than 80% of mesothelioma deaths totaling 14,591 in years 1999-2005.
  • Asbestos manufacturers knew of the long-term dangers of asbestos exposure but chose to ignore or downplay the role asbestos played in many reported illnesses.

Mesothelioma Symptoms Can Include:

  • Abdominal Pain & Swelling
  • Bowel Obstruction
  • Blood Clotting Chest
  • Pain Under Rib Cage
  • Chronic Cough (Can be Wet or Dry cough)
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Difficulty Swallowing
  • Fluid in the Lungs
  • Lumps of Tissue in the Abdomen
  • Painful When Coughing
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Unexplained Weight Loss

TO GET HELP – Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline Number is 888.640.0914


Median Survival Rate for Mesothelioma Patients by Stage

Stage 1- 21 Months: Mesothelioma is localized, affecting the lining of one lung or the abdomen. Treatment options include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy aimed at reducing cancer spread.

Stage 2 – 19 months Mesothelioma has spread beyond the original site to nearby organs or lymph nodes. Treatment may involve surgery to remove affected tissues, combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to target remaining cancer cells.

Stage 3 -16 Mesothelioma has spread extensively within the chest or abdomen, affecting multiple organs and lymph nodes. Treatment typically focuses on palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive measures.

Stage 4 – Under 12 months: Mesothelioma has metastasized to distant organs and tissues, making it difficult to treat. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve comfort through palliative care, which may include pain management, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other supportive therapies. Prognosis at this stage is generally poor, and the focus shifts to maximizing the patient’s quality of life.


Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos exposure has long been associated with mesothelioma, with manufacturers acknowledging its harmful effects since the early 1920s. The first definitive link between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma was established in 1964 among workers and laborers.

Over 600,000 asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers and distributors for failing to protect workers from asbestos contamination and neglecting to warn them about its health risks. The World Health Organization has reported over 92,253 mesothelioma deaths across 83 countries.

Various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and shipyards, extensively used asbestos-containing products, exposing workers to deadly asbestos dust. Mesothelioma typically progresses to stages 3 and 4 upon diagnosis due to its resemblance to other respiratory conditions, making early detection challenging. Individuals with a history of asbestos exposure should undergo annual check-ups by qualified physicians.

What is Mesothelioma Cancer?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and other major organs in the body. It is characterized by the presence of malignant cancer cells in the sac lining the chest (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). In the United States, approximately 3,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. If you are experiencing any symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important to contact a doctor immediately for evaluation and diagnosis.

Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, you likely have many questions about living with the disease and exploring legal options against asbestos manufacturers and companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a profoundly deadly disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the average survival time for people with mesothelioma is 4-18 months.

Call our toll-free number at 800.291.0963 right now to speak with a live mesothelioma counselor who can answer many of your questions and provide you with the peace of mind you need.

Family Member Died from Mesothelioma?

If you have a family member who has died from Mesothelioma cancer, you should immediately consult with an experienced Mesothelioma diagnosis lawyer about what compensation may be available to you from asbestos trust funds that total more than $30 billion.

We have seen many families lose their right to file a lawsuit because their Statute of Limitations had expired while they were grieving. We know it is a tough time to grieve the loss of a loved one, but please do not let your Statute of Limitations expire for filing your Mesothelioma lawsuit. In most states, the Statute of Limitations is 1-3 years.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you file your Mesothelioma claim within your state’s Statute of Limitations.

Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Call our Mesothelioma Toll Free Helpline at 888.640.0914 and get help today!

There is More Than 30 Billion Dollars Set Aside for Mesothelioma and Asbestos Victims in Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts

Mesothelioma Claims: Mesothelioma Damages

If you’ve received a diagnosis of Mesothelioma, it’s crucial to understand that you may be eligible to seek compensation for a wide range of damages. This guide will help you navigate the complex world of Mesothelioma claims, offering insights into the various types of damages you may be entitled to recover. From Mesothelioma-specific damages to economic, medical, and even punitive damages, we’ll break down what each entails, ensuring you have the knowledge you need when considering legal action. Your journey to seeking rightful compensation starts here.

Disfigurement Damages (past and future)
Economic Damages (past and future)
End of Life Cost Damages
Exemplary Damages
Funeral Expense Damages
Future Economic Damages
General Damages
Gross Negligence Damages
Loss of Companionship
Loss of Consortium Damages
Loss of Earning Capacity Damages
Loss of Life Damages
Loss of Wages Damages (past and future)
Medical Expense Damages
Mental Anguish Damages
Monetary Compensation Damages
Nominal Damages
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering Damages
Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Damages
Physical Impairment Damages (past and future)
Punitive Damages
Treble Damages
Workers Compensation Damages
Wrongful Death Claims

TAKING LEGAL ACTION

When confronted with the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis resulting from asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our team is here to assist you in initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced mesothelioma attorney, ensuring the protection of your rights and the delivery of justice. Discover today which Asbestos Trust Funds you may be eligible for to receive compensation.

SCHEDULE A FREE CASE CONSULTATION

Scheduling a free case consultation is your first step toward seeking justice in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We are ready to assess your unique situation and provide the guidance you will need during this challenging time. Take this essential step toward pursuing fair compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries.

GET HELP FROM AN EXPERIENCED INJURY ATTORNEY

When dealing with the complexities of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, getting help from an experienced injury attorney is crucial. For more than 24 years, we have assisted workers, veterans, and families in obtaining the compensation they deserved from negligent asbestos companies. Contact us at 888.640.0914 to secure the support you will need throughout your pursuit of fair and just compensation.

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Mesothelioma Cancer Types: Mesothelioma Lawsuits

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