What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a malignant condition that, as its name suggests, affects the mesothelium (surrounding lining of the internal organs) of its victims. It is a rare form of cancer that, usually, is only caused by exposure to asbestos through inhalation of its particles—usually at the victim’s jobsite.
Because this form of cancer affects the lining of its victims’ internal organs, it frequently results in the build-up of effusions (liquid) in the spaces between the victims’ organs (e.g., pleural effusion); however, the symptoms of this insidious disease are so latent in their manifestation that, they often do not appear for decades, or even upwards of fifty-years after its victims’ exposure to asbestos.
How does Mesothelioma Develop?
The truly outrageous aspect of Mesothelioma is that, in most cases, it could have been prevented. The clear epidemiological-causation of Mesothelioma leaves no question that, in most cases, Mesothelioma victims developed the diseases as a direct result of jobsite exposure to asbestos.
The jobsite exposure occurs, for example, when the victim inhales asbestos fibers into their lungs while working with or on a myriad of products (e.g., cement, brake linings, gaskets, roof shingles, flooring, textiles, or insulation). Those inhaled asbestos fibers then deposit in the lungs, and penetrate the internal lining of the victim’s lungs. The asbestos fibers, because of their extremely unyielding degradation nature, then proceed to penetrate completely through the parenchyma of the lungs, and lodge in the pleural surface of the lungs. It is that lodging of those asbestos fibers that, facilitates the development of plaque on the mesothelium of the victim’s organs, that, in turn, frequently becomes malignant (a/k/a cancerous).
What are the Symptoms/Signs of Mesothelioma?
Because of the latent manifestation of the signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma, it is often too late to successfully treat the condition in time for its victims to recovery fully; and, frequently its diagnosis is, unfortunately, coupled with a terminal prognosis. That said, early intervention is crucial; and, with respect to its diagnosis, aside from radiographic suspicion followed by a biopsy to diagnose, its presenting signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Dyspnea (a/k/a shortness of breath);
- Tussis (a/k/a cough);
- Chest pain (due to pleural effusion);
- Cachexia (a/k/a “wasting syndrome”);
- Significant loss of weight;
- Muscle atrophy;
- Fatigue;
- Weakness;
- Abdominal swelling;
- Ascites (a build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity);
- Bowel obstruction;
- Blood clotting abnormalities;
- Anemia; and,
- Fever.
Legal Help for Mesothelioma Victims
If you or a loved one suffer from Mesothelioma as a result of Asbestos exposure, contact a Mesothelioma lawyer at the Finz firm now toll free at (855) TOP-FIRM or simply fill out the Free Mesothelioma Case Evaluation form.
