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Mesothelioma Frequently Asked Questions

• What is mesothelioma?
• Are there different types of mesosthelioma?
• Who is at risk for mesothelioma?
• How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
• Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
• What kind of treatments are there for mesothelioma?
• What should I do if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the sheath-like tissue that surrounds the abdomen and chest cavities. This thin layer of tissue is called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of tiny asbestos fibers that lead to the formation of tumors on the mesothelium. These tumors and cancer cells can spread to the lymph nodes and adjacent organs in the body in the latter stages of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has a very long latency period and by the time the disease is discovered, prognosis is usually very poor.

Are there different types of mesothelioma?

Yes. There are three types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common and affects the mesothelium around the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the mesothelium surrounding the abdomen. Pericardial mesothelioma, the most rare form of mesothelioma, affects the protective sac surrounding the heart. Asbestos is known to cause the pleural and peritoneal forms of the disease and strong links to asbestos exposure have been established in cases of pericardial mesothelioma. The listed forms of mesothelioma are all considered malignant. There are other non-cancerous forms of mesothelioma as well. These are curable and not linked to asbestos exposure.

Who is at risk for mesothelioma?

Those with occupational asbestos exposure to are usually at the highest risk for developing asbestos related diseases, including mesothelioma. Pipe insulators, boiler workers, mechanics and others who work with products containing asbestos have the greatest chance of developing mesothelioma. Jobs that expose workers to asbestos dust or fibers as a result of cutting, grinding or otherwise disturbing asbestos containing products, causing asbestos particles to be released into the air, are exposed to the highest levels of asbestos. However, High levels, or "occupational levels," of exposure are not required for mesothelioma to develop. Thus, anyone who inhales asbestos fibers can potentially develop mesothelioma. Smoking does not increase a person's chances for developing mesothelioma.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

One of the major problems with mesothelioma is that it is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other lung diseases and cancers. Another major problem with mesothelioma diagnosis is the long latency period of the disease, sometimes up to 50 years. A patient's medical history and historical exposure to asbestos are typically needed to help diagnose mesothelioma. A series of tests, including MRI or CAT scan are used to see if the disease is present. A biopsy is often taken to confirm the presence of mesothelioma.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer and technically there is currently no "cure" for any cancer. This is said because while a previous cancer patient may have no evidence of cancer in his or her body, there is a possibility that the cancer can come back. This is why cancer is said to be in "remission". By default then, there is no cure for mesothelioma. Although the prognosis for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma is generally poor, there are mesothelioma patients who have lived for many years beyond their predicted life expectancy. There is also ongoing mesothelioma research and promising developments in the medical battle against mesothelioma that yield hope.

What kind of treatments are there for mesothelioma?

Current treatments for malignant mesothelioma are similar to treatments to other forms of cancer that are available today. These include surgery to physically remove the cancerous mesothelioma tumors, high-energy x-ray or radiation therapy used kill cancer cells, and chemotherapy: the use of various chemical medications that target and kill mesothelioma cells. Treatments vary depending on the cancer stage the mesothelioma patient is in. In addition to currently accepted forms of mesothelioma treatment, there are several mesothelioma clinical trials and emerging mesothelioma treatments that evoke promise of increased survival duration for those who have developed mesothelioma.

What should I do if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?

The first, and ongoing step, is to do all that you can to get treatment for mesothelioma. Then it is imperative to contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney. It is likely that if you have developed mesothelioma, you are the victim of a company that manufactured asbestos products that knew of the dangers of mesothelioma. In these cases, the company that is responsible for the asbestos exposure can be held financially liable for your mesothelioma, as long as a history of exposure can be proved. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is very high probability that the disease is related to asbestos exposure. If asbestos exposure is known in your, or a loved one's history, the process of proving asbestos exposure can begin with this history. It is advantageous to retain a law firm with a track record of successful mesothelioma litigation, as the asbestos industry is not known for willingly paying out vast sums of money in mesothelioma cases. Contact a mesothelioma attorney who can compile the facts of your mesothelioma and present a strong case. This should be someone you trust is aligned with your best interests. Mesothelioma attorney David A. Shaw has the asbestos litigation track record, and understanding of both mesothelioma and the asbestos industry to secure a fair mesothelioma settlement or verdict for you and your family. Contact mesothelioma attorney David Shaw today to learn more about your legal right to damages in the wake of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

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