Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that starts in one of the membranes that encase either the lungs, the heart or the abdominal organs. Mesothelioma can develop many years after asbestos fibers work their way from inhaled air, through the lung tissue, and lodge in the membrane that lines the lungs.
Occasionally, particles that have been swallowed penetrate the stomach wall and lodge in the membrane that lines the peritoneum, or abdominal cavity. Fibers can work their way into the lining around the heart, as well, but this is very rare.
Mesothelioma diagnosis is usually made many years after exposure when the victim complains of being short of breath, has trouble breathing, feels pain in the chest, or a chronic cough. Since mesothelioma symptoms are similar to a number of other diseases diagnosis depends upon test results from blood tests, X-rays, pulmonary function testing, a CT scan, MRI, PET scan or biopsy.
These tests reveal poor lung function and areas of tissue density that suggest increased cell growth, or cancer. The PET scan indicates areas of greater cellular activity and the biopsy allows a direct analysis of the affected tissue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you might be entitled to damages. Please contact the lawyers experienced in mesothelioma claims at Brown | Kiely, LLP, the Mesothelioma Lawyers serving Maryland and Washington, D.C.
