What You Need to Know About Mesothelioma Cancer
I’m Ed Smith, an El Dorado Hills mesothelioma lawyer. Mesothelioma cancer is a dangerous disease that still occurs in about 3,000 people each year. The primary risk for this disease is exposure to asbestos, but symptoms may not arise for many years after exposure.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Since asbestos exposure is the number one reason people contract mesothelioma, Sprayed asbestos was banned in the United States in 1973. However, the asbestos ban was overturned in 1991 due to pressure from the asbestos industry, so asbestos is still present in some products. Exposure to radiation can also cause mesothelioma cancer, although these occurrences are rare. Exposure to zeolites can lead to mesothelioma. Zeolites are groups of minerals commonly used as catalysts and absorbents commercially. They may also be found in dietary supplements and certain medicines.
Fatalities
Between 1999 and 2010, more than 31,000 people, mostly males, died from the effects of mesothelioma, according to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Of those diagnosed, only a small percentage survive for five years or longer. It is estimated that 20 million people risk developing mesothelioma during their lifetimes. However, it is a slow developing cancer, taking between 20 and 40 years. Most individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma that affects the lungs live only one year to 21 months following that diagnosis. Treatments are available and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Some newer treatments may be available through clinical trials.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma can occur in either the lungs (75 to 80 percent of cases), the abdomen (20 to 25 percent) or heart (fewer than 1 percent). A high percentage of tumors remain noncancerous, but about 10 percent of tumors occurring in the lungs become malignant.
Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lungs include:
- Wheezing or a dry cough
- Respiratory problems
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in chest, ribs or back
- Night sweats or fever
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Fluid found around the lungs
Symptoms of mesothelioma cancer in the abdomen include some symptoms found in the lungs such as night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and nausea. According to cancer.org, they also include:
- Abdominal swelling or pain
- Bowel habit changes
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Feeling of fullness
Pericardial mesothelioma has the following symptoms:
- Cough and shortness of breath
- Fatigue, night sweats, and fever
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart murmur
Filing a Claim for Compensation
Obtaining compensation caused by mesothelioma generally falls under either product liability or premises liability. This means that the location where the individual got the disease or the company that produced the product may be liable. However, because time is limited in which to file, it is essential to contact an experienced injury lawyer to help. A lawyer experienced in mesothelioma cases will investigate thoroughly to prove fault. This includes talking to co-workers if possible, hiring professionals to provide expert witness and obtaining the necessary documentation.
El Dorado Hills Mesothelioma Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an El Dorado Hills mesothelioma lawyer. Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that causes the premature loss of a loved one and impacts the family. If you or your family member is suffering from this disease, I can offer you friendly advice, free of charge. Contact me at (916) 921-6400. I also have a toll-free line at (800) 404-5400 and an online contact form.
For 36 years, I have been defending the rights of El Dorado residents, as well as Northern Californians, in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries. I handle all types of personal injuries, including brain injuries and cases involving wrongful death.
I am honored to have won cases that resulted in trial verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more for my clients. That is why I was invited to join Million Dollar Advocates.
For information on prior cases my firm has handled and comments by former clients, go to:
For more information on personal injuries, please look around my website, AutoAccident.com.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/diagnosis-xray-chest-lungs-ribs-1476620/
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