Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelial cells that cover many of our bodies’ internal organs. This type of cancer most frequently occurs in the tissues covering the lungs and the abdomen.
What causes mesothelioma?
The National Cancer Institute reports that 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos which was widely used in the last century by manufacturers and builders. When inhaled, asbestos fibres can travel deep into the lungs where they accumulate and irritate the mesothelial cells. The constant irritation can cause mesothelioma to develop many years after the exposure to asbestos.
What are the different types of mesothelioma?
There are two main types of mesothelioma:
• Pleural mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and affects the membranes that cover the lungs known as the pleura.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissues lining the abdominal cavity. This type of mesothelioma is less common than the pleural form.
How much asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma?
Typically it takes years of continued asbestos exposure to cause health problems, but in some cases even low to moderate exposure to asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.
Who is at risk for asbestos exposure?
Those at greatest risk for asbestos exposure are people who worked in the asbestos, construction, and shipping industries during the 1940s, 50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Products made for these industries often contained asbestos which may have been inhaled or swallowed. Many other people have also suffered exposure to asbestos due to use of or exposure to the many products know to contain asbestos.
How long after exposure to asbestos will mesothelioma appear?
Both lung cancer and mesothelioma can develop many years after the exposure to asbestos. The appearance of symptoms can range from 15 to 50 years, so victims who were exposed to products containing asbestos decades ago may only now be experiencing the harmful effects. Like asbestosis, the mortality rates are expected to rise in coming years due to the prolonged gap between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the cancers.
What is the typical prognosis for those diagnosed with lung cancer and mesothelioma?
Many factors influence the prognosis – the stage, size and location of the tumour, the type of mesothelioma cells, and the patient’s overall health.
• The prognosis for lung cancer is poor with only 10% of people achieving a cure, but it is possible to extend life for many years with treatment
• The prognosis for mesothelioma is also very poor with a mortality rate of around 85% within 3 years of diagnosis
Contact Our Mesothelioma Compensation Solicitors
Victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, and they should contact Chris Stansfield without obligation to discuss a claim for mesothelioma compensation.
Our mesothelioma solicitors have the knowledge and experience necessary to obtain the maximum mesothelioma claims possible if you or your loved one has been injured because of exposure to asbestos. They will protect your rights and provide expert guidance through the legal process.
Case studies that demonstrate our skills and expertise in this area can be found under the asbestos claims heading on our Case Study page.
