Mesothelioma is a devastating form of cancer where tumors form on the tissue of surrounding organs. Although rare, mesothelioma is a result of exposure to asbestos. Once diagnosed, it is incurable and fatal, resulting in medical treatments only able to keep patients comfortable and slightly prolong life.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
There are two common types of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal. Pleural affects the tissue surrounding the lungs and causes symptoms including pain in the chest and rib cage, strong and often painful coughing, difficulty breathing, suspicious lumps under the chest skin, and sudden weight loss. Peritoneal affects the abdominal surrounding tissues and causes abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen, lumps in the abdominal cavity, and weight loss.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts at the doctor’s office with a standard exam of the area. Next, the doctor will order chest X-rays and a CT scan of the area. If it appears that tumors are present, then a biopsy is conducted and some tissue from the tumors is studied. Once confirmed, a doctor will order additional imaging tests to determine how far the mesothelioma has spread. Mesothelioma has no cure, but the spread can be slowed through various treatments.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatments for mesothelioma are invasive and hard on patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the top medical research hospitals in the United States, treatments for slowing the disease include surgically draining fluid, removing cancerous tissue, and use of conventional radiation and chemotherapy. Additionally, numerous studies and clinical trials are underway to make drugs that could ultimately cure, but also add comfort to the lives of those suffering from mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Compensation
As with any cancer, all the causes of mesothelioma are unknown. It is known, however, that roughly 77 percent of those diagnosed with it have been exposed to asbestos in the past, usually through inhalation. For those suffering from asbestos related mesothelioma, there is compensation available. Special trusts have been set up by asbestos manufacturers for the purpose of compensating people who suffer from this disease. However, compensation can only be obtained after a successful mesothelioma lawsuit and depending on each case.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Although the link between asbestos and mesothelioma has been proven and upheld in the United States court system, there is no formal law requiring asbestos manufacturers to compensate all people who are affected. Instead, those diagnosed with mesothelioma must prove their exposure in court and obtain a ruling from the judge. The ruling is then used to place the person into one of the existing trusts and provide compensation.
Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma cases require specific evidence from scientists, physicians, and previous employers. This information is not easily accessible to the public, so it is vital that anyone seeking to file a mesothelioma lawsuit find a local lawyer. A lawyer specializing in these types of cases will be up to date on the modern court rulings and able to connect patients with the necessary people to obtain a timely ruling.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Qualification
The first step to take after being diagnosed with mesothelioma is to determine if the patient qualifies for compensation. Anyone can find out if they qualify by filling out the qualification information sheet here on this website. The form only takes a few minutes to fill out and if the person qualifies they will be contacted by a licensed lawyer who specialized in mesothelioma or Asbestos Lawsuit cases.
Having asbestos related mesothelioma is a hard burden for any family. It can only be made worse with the extensive medical expenses for the patients care.