Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused by inhaling or swallowing asbestos particles. A mesothelium is a double-layered membrane that lines the lungs, abdominal organs, heart and other body organs. These membranes glide on a lubricating layer of serious fluid between them, which allows these organs to move freely as the lungs expand and contract during breathing, the stomach expands and contracts after eating, or as the heart pumps.
The mesothelial membrane surrounding the lungs is called the pleura, the abdominal organs are called the peritoneum, and the membrane surrounding the heart is called the pericardium. Mesothelioma is cancer caused from asbestos fibers irritating, inflaming and scarring these linings.
Mesothelioma facts:
- Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma.
- Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this disease.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for up to 20 percent of cases.
- It can take between 15-50 years between exposure and diagnosis.
- A minimum level of safe exposure to asbestos has not yet been established.
- Many people who are exposed to asbestos do not develop mesothelioma.
- Between two to three thousand cases of mesothelioma are reported annually.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a free initial consultation.
