Understanding the Most Common Type of Mesothelioma- Pleural Meso
“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… 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).
What Exactly is Asbestos?
“Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, the results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time” (Cancer.gov). Many people are surprised to learn that asbestos actually is 100% natural and is a mineral that possesses special characteristics that made it perfect for insulation. It is heat and fire resistant so it was widely used to insulate machine parts, homes, ship engine rooms, and other areas where high heat tolerance and insulation was needed. It was continually used in many applications well into the mid to late 1980’s. It was at this time that the dangers of asbestos was recognized and it started to be phased out of usage. This had helped slow the spread of mesothelioma but there are still many new cases of the cancer diagnosed each year and more and more older veterans are beginning to see signs of the disease progress.
How is Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
“In the earliest stages of pleural mesothelioma, signs of disease are nonexistent or virtually undetectable. While bothersome symptoms compel most patients to schedule an initial consultation with their doctor, problems can be so mild that people ignore them at first. Because even medical experts can easily mistake initial mesothelioma symptoms for those of less serious conditions, delays in the diagnostic process of up to six months are commonplace. A patient’s first appointment is usually with their primary care provider, who often refers the patient to a pulmonologist. Further testing with a pulmonologist leads to a referral with an oncologist, who then conducts advanced imaging and tissue sampling tests” (PMC).
Legal Steps to Take
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! We fight so other families do not have to suffer the loss of a loved one and so people who turned a blind eye to the risk of asbestos are held reasonable and so that the victims of this negligence do not have to suffer more than they already are!