Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Unsurprisingly, given the nature of this blog, mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. According to the government, 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in America each year though this conflicts with the mortality rate of 10,000 deaths per year due to the disease.

The symptoms, much like those of asbestosis, may not present themselves until 30-50 years after exposure. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. If you have these symptoms seek medical attention immediately.

Unfortunately, the survival rate of those diagnosed with this disease is not not high, nor is the expectancy of a long period (typically on the order of 8-12 months). As with most cancers, there are three treatment options: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Legally, many people file claims for mesothelioma-related illnesses before presenting for the disease due to worries about the tolling of the statute of limitations. If you think you may have mesothelioma and want to consider your legal options, there are websites that are devoted to this topic and will link you to experts in the field who can give you a full presentation of your options.