Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the lining of the chest or abdomen. There are generally less than 2500 cases diagnosed each year, compared to the nearly 250,000 cases of lung cancer diagnosed annually. When it affects the lining of the chest, it is called pleural mesothelioma. When it affects the lining of the abdomen, it is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma is generally caused only by asbestos exposure. It is unknown how much asbestos exposure is necessary for you to develop mesothelioma. Nor is it known how long it takes for mesothelioma to develop. A lag time of 50 years between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis is not unusual.
Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are often generic, and may include coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, and weight loss. Pain in the chest or abdomen is often the first signs that bring mesothelioma sufferers to the doctor.
Treatment of mesothelioma is very difficult. After diagnosis, the average untreated mesothelioma patient survives nine months, but treatment is not an effective cure. The five-year survival rate for mesothelioma is less than 10%.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to receive compensation for your illness. To learn more about getting compensation, please contact the mesothelioma attorneys at The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP in Baltimore for a free initial consultation.