Mesothelioma Definition and Facts
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos material and products. Overtime, companies and the public have become more aware of the dangers associated with asbestos. Due to this increased awareness, many companies have eliminated asbestos material from their product manufacturing. At Brown Kiely, as a mesothelioma law firm Baltimore MD victims frequently turn to for help, we have extensive experience representing victims of mesothelioma. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding mesothelioma facts, products, diagnostics, treatments, and more.
What Products Contain Asbestos Material?
Most often, asbestos can be found in piping, sheet material, roofing, tiles, asphalt floor tile, vinyl floor tile, and home insulation. Many homes that were built before 1980 can contain asbestos. Additionally, brake pads, car clutches, corrugated sheeting, and some potting soils can have a small amount of asbestos.
How Do People Develop Mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma may develop anywhere from fifteen to more than fifty years after someone was exposed to asbestos. People can come into contact with asbestos material while working in factories, construction sites, industrial facilities and shipyards. However, it is also possible to be exposed to asbestos second-handedly, increasing your risk of developing mesothelioma. Talk to a mesothelioma law firm in Baltimore MD about your case, as they may have other clients pursuing justice under similar circumstances.
What Are the Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer?
The stage of a patient’s cancer is an important aspect when determining prognosis and life expectancy. Factors to consider include age at diagnosis, smoker or non-smoker, time between asbestos exposure and notice of symptoms, patient health status and type of mesothelioma.
Stage 1: A singular side of the patient’s chest lining develops tumors, in which the cancer spreads to the lining of the lungs. At this point, lymph nodes are not affected.
Stage 2: In addition to the outer lung lining, the diaphragm or lung has now also started to develop tumors.
Stage 3: Tumors have spread to the chest wall, chest fatty deposits, outer layer of the heart or lymph nodes, still only on one side of the chest as the primary site of cancer.
Stage 4: Mesothelioma has developed on one side and has spread to the opposite side of the body including chest wall, organs near chest, diaphragm, blood vessels, spine, nerves of arms, lymph nodes and other organs in the body.
How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is not an easy type of cancer to diagnose, due to being a resilient and quickly spreading disease. When a patient is seen for dry cough and shortness of breath, their doctor may perform diagnostics including x-rays, MRI, CT scan, biopsy, or pleuroscopy. A doctor may perform a thoracentesis procedure which drains the lung fluid with the use of a needle. Early detection of mesothelioma can increase the person’s life expectancy. Since there is not currently a cure for mesothelioma, treatment goals are to lessen the intensity and frequency of symptoms experienced. A mesothelioma law firm in Baltimore MD can help the victim recover damages that can be used to pay for medical treatment.
If you or someone in your home has worked around asbestos, it may be a good idea to get a medical exam. Discuss your concerns with your doctor so they can target their testing in the areas associated with mesothelioma. Also consider contacting a mesothelioma law firm Baltimore MD victims turn to under similar circumstances to discover your legal options.
Thank you to Brown Kiely, LLP for providing useful information regarding mesothelioma, which contributed to the creation of this article.
