Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma
By Maggie Kay
Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and are unaware of its
symptoms. Although considered a rare form of cancer, each year the number of
cases grows. With the prevalence of this disease on the rise, it is critical
to understand why and how Mesothelioma develops and what courses of action
can be taken in the event of diagnosis. The following is a list of
frequently asked questions and answers that will provide you with some
information on Mesothelioma, and the legal issues surrounding it.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor found in the
mesothelial cells of an organ. The organs where this form of cancer is most
commonly found are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Pleural
Mesothelioma is cancer of the lung lining and is the most common form of
Mesothelioma.
What causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is
often found in building materials used before the mid 1970’s. In addition,
materials such as pipes, boiler insulation, floor, ceiling and roof tiles
may contain asbestos.
How much asbestos exposure will cause Mesothelioma?
Generally, the probability of developing this form of cancer is in
accordance with the length of time you are exposed to asbestos. Also, your
health is at risk if your exposure to asbestos is intense. It should be
noted that Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years. This means
that you may develop the disease long after your exposure to asbestos. On
average, people tend to develop Mesothelioma somewhere between 35 and 40
years after exposure.
How quickly does Mesothelioma progress?
The onset of Mesothelioma is quite slow. Patients will begin to experience
symptoms such as lower back pain and chest pain. These symptoms may also be
accompanied by weight loss, fever and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately,
once Mesothelioma develops, it quickly becomes aggressive and treatment must
be sought immediately.
Can Mesothelioma be treated?
Doctors are able to use several traditional methods of cancer treatment for
Mesothelioma, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Like all forms
of cancer, detecting the disease at the earliest stage possible greatly
increases the patient’s chances for survival. If you have worked in an
industry such as construction or suspect that you may have been exposed to
asbestos, be alert for symptoms and contact your doctor immediately.
What legal courses of action can be taken?
Anyone suffering from Mesothelioma is entitled to compensation from asbestos
manufacturers. Additionally, if you are the spouse or child of someone who
has died from Mesothelioma, you are entitled to file a claim and seek
compensation.
About the Author:
Maggie Kay is a freelance writer from Montreal and is the head researcher
and content manager of Mesothelioma Attorney Advice Center http://www.maacenter.org.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ |
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