MESOTHELIOMA F.A.Q.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a specific form of cancer, the development of which nearly always stems from the patient’s exposure to Asbestos. In the overwhelming majority of all cases, twenty to fifty years will pass before the symptoms of the disease even begin to manifest.

What is Asbestos?

A natural silicate mineral, Asbestos is comprised of thin fibrous crystals. Asbestos is both highly toxic and extremely dangerous to health. It invariably has a devastating, and eventually a fatal, effect on those who are exposed to it over a prolonged period of time – such as in the work environment.

How does Mesothelioma affect the patient?

Essentially, in patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma, cancer-cells of a malignant nature start to grow and develop in the mesothelium. This is a lining which offers protection to the bulk of the body’s major internal organs. For the most part, Mesothelioma is seen in the pleura (this is the outer-lining of the lungs and the internal-wall of the chest). Mesothelioma is not exclusive to the pleura, however. It can also manifest in the patient’s peritoneum (the abdominal cavity lining), within the heart, and in the pericardium (the latter being a sac that surrounds the human heart).

How does exposure to deadly Asbestos generally occur?

In most cases currently on record, the development of Mesothelioma can be directly traced back to exposure to Asbestos within the work environment, on a regular basis, and over a lengthy period of time. For example, a significant percentage of people diagnosed with Mesothelioma worked in such fields as construction, the plumbing industry, and in chemical plants. Other victims of Mesothelioma were ship-builders, steam-fitters, mechanics, and pipe-fitters. All of the above categories have been proven to be very high-risk ones for exposure to Asbestos.

What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?

The symptoms of Mesothelioma are many, and can be very distressing indeed. A shortness of breath that infringes to a great extent on the patient’s ability to have quality of life is a typical symptom. A cough that does not respond to regular treatment, and the coughing-up of blood, noticeable wheezing, and pain in the chest (that can range from mild to severe, and which is caused by fluid build-up in the pleural space), are also typical symptoms and signs of Mesothelioma. Other symptoms that patients may experience can include a distinct loss of weight, periodic fever, anemia in varying degrees, blockages to the bowels, the growth of malignant tumors, and lung-collapse.

How is Mesothelioma diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects that particular symptoms present in a patient are suggestive of Mesothelioma, then both their medical history and work history will be scrutinized for any evidence or data that might demonstrate past-exposure to Asbestos. Physical examinations will follow, as will x-rays of the patient’s chest area. Lung-function procedures will be undertaken, as – generally – will an MRI or CAT-Scan.

What is the average survival rate for a person diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

A study of currently available, statistical data suggests that the average survival time for someone who has had a confirmed diagnosis of Mesothelioma is approximately 1-year. After 3 years, approximately 1 in 10 patients are still likely to be living. After five years, the figure drops to approximately 1 in 20.

What types of treatment are available to people diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

The three types of treatment that are generally utilized to combat the effects of Mesothelioma are: (a) Chemotherapy; (b) Radiation; and (c) Surgery. Chemotherapy involves the utilization of chemicals to kill-off cells – primarily cells of micro-organisms and cancer. Radiation treatment involves using ionizing-radiation to exterminate cells showing evidence of malignancy. While the use of surgery alone has not proven to be significantly successful in treating Mesothelioma, when it is applied in combination with radiation and chemotherapy treatments, it has been shown to offer significant success in terms of lessening the effects and advancement of the disease, and extending life-spans.

Can legal action be taken in Mesothelioma cases?

Yes. If you or your family had a loved one whose death was caused by Mesothelioma, you may have grounds for filing a Wrongful Death Claim. A claim for Wrongful Death may be brought if the victim’s death was a result of his or her exposure to hazardous materials during the course of their employment – such as Asbestos, which causes Mesothelioma. Essentially, Wrongful Death is a claim covered by certain jurisdictions that are applied to common-law. Wrongful Death claims allow for action to be brought against individuals, organizations, and companies that may be held liable for the death of a particular individual.