Sokolove Law, LLC - Mesothelioma & Asbestos Related Diseases Law Firm

Mesothelioma is a rare — but deadly — form of cancer. It develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested. Once inside the body, the fibers get stuck in the protective linings of major organs.

Mesothelioma can occur in the lining surrounding the:

Abdomen
Lungs
Heart
Testicles
Mesothelioma has no cure, but with medical help, patients may be able to extend their lifespan.

Causes of Mesothelioma
The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral known for being fire resistant. It was used throughout the 20th century in many industries and the U.S. military.

Asbestos could be found in thousands of products, including:

Buildings
Ships
Vehicles
However, if these products broke down, asbestos fibers could be released into the air. Since these fibers are microscopic, anyone nearby could breathe them in without notice.

Once inside the human body, they cannot be removed. These fibers then slowly irritate nearby healthy tissue, causing scarring and, eventually, cancer.

It takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop. Many people who were exposed to asbestos decades ago are at risk of mesothelioma today.

Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can develop in different areas of the body. What type develops depends on where the asbestos fibers are lodged.

Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all cases.

Notable symptoms include weight loss and tightness in the chest.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen. Common symptoms include abdominal swelling, diarrhea, and constipation.

This is the second most common type of mesothelioma. It accounts for roughly 20% of all cases.

Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart.

This type of mesothelioma may cause heart murmurs and other issues.  It is often mistaken for other heart conditions because it is so rare.

Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma starts the lining around the testicles, causing swelling and fluid buildup. It is the rarest type of the disease.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma are slightly different with each type. The cancer affects the body differently depending on where it forms.

That being said, there are a few symptoms shared by most types of mesothelioma.

These symptoms include:

Fatigue
Fluid buildup in the affected area
Pain
Shortness of breath
Regardless of type, mesothelioma symptoms are usually mild at first. It is often mistaken for other, more common illnesses.

However, since mesothelioma is deadly, it is important that you are properly diagnosed.