Pleural Mesothelioma in Bay Area, CA
Pleural Mesothelioma Legal Rights in California
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly type of cancer that causes malignant cells to develop on the mesothelium, the delicate tissue lining that protects the body's organs. Depending on the specific area of the mesothelium that is affected, patients will be diagnosed with one of the following types of mesothelioma:
- Pericardial mesothelioma, originating on the lining of the heart
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity
- Pleural mesothelioma, developing on the outer lining of the lungs
Of these three types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is the most common—it is the specific diagnosis in 75 to 80% of all cases of mesothelioma cancer.
Causes of Pleural Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is the key risk factor associated with the development of pleural mesothelioma. While some people experience asbestos exposure in their living environments, others inhale toxic asbestos fibers at work, particularly if they work in construction, shipyards and/or the railroad industry.
To date, there are an estimated 5,000 products and processes that contain asbestos. Of these, some of the most common include:
- boilers, kilns and industrial ovens
- drywall and drywall taping compounds
- brake pads and engine parts
- insulation products
- cements, caulking and tar
- pipes and shingles
- sealants and mud textures
All exposures to asbestos and asbestos-containing products someone has during his or her lifetime will contribute to a diagnosis mesothelioma. The Asbestos Legal Center experts are determining how and where someone was exposed to asbestos—and who is responsible.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, like all types of mesothelioma cancer, tends to exist without any noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed past early stages. Once they do arise, pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually include:
- abdominal pain
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- fatigue
- fluid buildup in the lungs
- nausea
- shoulder pain
- vomiting
Of these, most pleural mesothelioma patients experience abdominal pain and/or shoulder pain. However, any combination of the above symptoms, along with a history of asbestos exposure, can be grounds for biopsies, x-rays and CT scans, all which are used to properly diagnose pleural mesothelioma.
Most pleural mesothelioma patients are men between 50 and 70 years old. This is largely due to the widespread industrial use of asbestos throughout the 20th century.
Pleural Mesothelioma Treatments
Once diagnosed, patients should begin treatments immediately and should follow through with all long-term, prescribed care. Depending on the severity of the case, pleural mesothelioma treatments can include:
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- surgery
To ease patients' pain and support comfortable living, additional medication, therapy and other forms of palliative care may also be recommended. Unfortunately, however, most patients will only survive about eight months after being diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawsuits
Sadly, many cases of pleural mesothelioma could have been prevented. Because circumstances vary from case to case, patients who have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma are strongly advised to meet with an experienced attorney who represents victims of asbestos exposure.
During a free consultation, pleural mesothelioma patients can talk to an experienced attorney at The Asbestos Legal Center and have their legal questions answered. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation or to obtain a free information packet.
Pleural Mesothelioma in Bay Area, CA
Pleural Mesothelioma Legal Rights in California
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly type of cancer that causes malignant cells to develop on the mesothelium, the delicate tissue lining that protects the body's organs. Depending on the specific area of the mesothelium that is affected, patients will be diagnosed with one of the following types of mesothelioma:
- Pericardial mesothelioma, originating on the lining of the heart
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity
- Pleural mesothelioma, developing on the outer lining of the lungs
Of these three types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is the most common—it is the specific diagnosis in 75 to 80% of all cases of mesothelioma cancer.
Causes of Pleural Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is the key risk factor associated with the development of pleural mesothelioma. While some people experience asbestos exposure in their living environments, others inhale toxic asbestos fibers at work, particularly if they work in construction, shipyards and/or the railroad industry.
To date, there are an estimated 5,000 products and processes that contain asbestos. Of these, some of the most common include:
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All exposures to asbestos and asbestos-containing products someone has during his or her lifetime will contribute to a diagnosis mesothelioma. The Asbestos Legal Center experts are determining how and where someone was exposed to asbestos—and who is responsible.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, like all types of mesothelioma cancer, tends to exist without any noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed past early stages. Once they do arise, pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually include:
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|
|
|
|
|
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Of these, most pleural mesothelioma patients experience abdominal pain and/or shoulder pain. However, any combination of the above symptoms, along with a history of asbestos exposure, can be grounds for biopsies, x-rays and CT scans, all which are used to properly diagnose pleural mesothelioma.
Most pleural mesothelioma patients are men between 50 and 70 years old. This is largely due to the widespread industrial use of asbestos throughout the 20th century.
Pleural Mesothelioma Treatments
Once diagnosed, patients should begin treatments immediately and should follow through with all long-term, prescribed care. Depending on the severity of the case, pleural mesothelioma treatments can include:
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- surgery
To ease patients' pain and support comfortable living, additional medication, therapy and other forms of palliative care may also be recommended. Unfortunately, however, most patients will only survive about eight months after being diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawsuits
Sadly, many cases of pleural mesothelioma could have been prevented. Because circumstances vary from case to case, patients who have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma are strongly advised to meet with an experienced attorney who represents victims of asbestos exposure.
During a free consultation, pleural mesothelioma patients can talk to an experienced attorney at The Asbestos Legal Center and have their legal questions answered. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation or to obtain a free information packet.
Contact the Asbestos Legal Center Today. We Can Help.
To learn more about how we can help you with your case, please contact us today! Complimentary Legal Evaluation.
Millions in Compensation
Asbestos was once widely used, and many employers and product manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of asbestos exposure. As a result of such negligence, mesothelioma victims can file a lawsuit to potentially obtain millions in compensation for their illness. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
