Shedding Light on the Rare But Devastating Disease Known as Mesothelioma

Patients who are presenting troublesome symptoms such as unrelenting coughing, severe shortness of breath, or chest pains need to be seen by their doctor as soon as possible. While these are symptoms commonly shared with many other issues they are also the primary symptoms of mesothelioma. After they see their physician and alert them to their symptoms and their concern that it might be related to mesothelioma, the diagnostic process begins and this will help to determine the causes of these symptoms as well as the development of a personalized treatment plan.

What Exactly is Asbestos?

“Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have the ability to resist heat, fire and electricity. Although asbestos fibers are microscopic in nature, they are extremely durable and resistant to fire and most chemical reactions and breakdowns. These properties of asbestos supported its use for many years in a number of different commercial and industrial settings, as well as in a wide range of consumer products. Although its use has diminished in recent decades, there are still many products that contain asbestos, especially in older homes, schools, and public buildings. Asbestos is perhaps best known for its role in causing  mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer that can develop in linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart” (Mesothelioma).

Understanding Mesothelioma

Patients who are presenting troublesome symptoms such as unrelenting coughing, severe shortness of breath, or chest pains need to be seen by their doctor as soon as possible. While these are symptoms commonly shared with many other issues they are also the primary symptoms of mesothelioma. After they see their physician and alert them to their symptoms and their concern that it might be related to mesothelioma, the diagnostic process begins and this will help to determine the causes of these symptoms as well as the development of a personalized treatment plan. “Mesothelioma is fairly rare in the United States, with about 3,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. The rate of mesotheliomas in the United States increased from the 1970s to the early 1990s, but since then it has leveled off and even gone down slightly. These changes have largely been seen in men, and are probably related to changes over time in workplace exposures to asbestos. The rate of mesothelioma is lower in women and has been fairly steady for some time. In many other countries, the rate of mesothelioma is still increasing” (Cancer.org).

Get Legal Help For Your Case Today

If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma as the result of exposure to asbestos, there is legal steps you can take to get compensation for your pain and suffering and to help cover your medical expenses and loss of income. To get the help you need with your mesothelioma case contact a personal injury attorney in your area to get started with your case. You owe it to yourself and your family to get the compensation you deserve!