What Exactly Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium — a thin layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs. Unlike many cancers that develop within organs, mesothelioma affects the protective lining surrounding these organs.
What makes mesothelioma particularly challenging is its long latency period. Symptoms typically don’t appear until 20-50 years after asbestos exposure, making early diagnosis difficult. By the time symptoms emerge, the disease has often progressed to advanced stages.
The Four Types of Mesothelioma
As highlighted in our video, there are four types of mesothelioma, classified according to where the cancer develops in the body:
1. Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs)
Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura — the thin membrane surrounding the lungs. As our attorney notes, “Pleural mesothelioma is a mesothelioma cancer that affects the lung lining as opposed to inside the actual lung, which would be asbestos lung cancer.”
This is the most common form, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases. People with pleural mesothelioma often experience:
- Persistent chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Unexplained weight loss
Pleural mesothelioma typically develops after asbestos fibers are inhaled and become lodged in the pleural lining. As our video explains, this type “is usually obtained by working in plants and factories or being exposed in a house or school when the asbestos becomes airborne and lodges in your lung.”
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)
The second most common type is peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the peritoneum — the lining of the abdominal cavity. Our attorney explains that this form “affects the stomach or the abdomen.”
Peritoneal mesothelioma is characterized by:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
Interestingly, as noted in our video, “Peritoneal mesothelioma, a lot of people feel like it might have come from talc when it was used on people’s private parts.” Recent scientific studies have indeed found connections between asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products and peritoneal mesothelioma.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma (Heart)
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium — the protective sac surrounding the heart. Our attorney describes this as one of the “much rarer forms of mesothelioma.”
This type accounts for only about 1% of cases and causes symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
- Persistent cough
4. Testicular Mesothelioma
The rarest form is testicular mesothelioma, which develops in the tunica vaginalis — the membrane lining the testicles. With fewer than 100 documented cases worldwide, this form is extremely uncommon.
Symptoms may include:
- Painless testicular lumps
- Testicular swelling
- Scrotal pain or discomfort
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and numerous other industries because of its heat resistance and durability.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release microscopic fibers that can be inhaled or ingested. These fibers can become trapped in body tissues, causing inflammation and scarring that may eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Common sources of asbestos exposure include:
- Occupational exposure: Workers in construction, shipyards, power plants, factories, and mines were often heavily exposed to asbestos.
- Secondary exposure: Family members of workers can be exposed through asbestos fibers brought home on work clothes.
- Environmental exposure: Living near asbestos mines or areas with naturally occurring asbestos.
- Product exposure: Using asbestos-containing products such as talcum powder, as mentioned in our video: “People use talc or baby powder or other cosmetic products on their private parts, and the asbestos that was in these products entered into the body.”
How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing mesothelioma often involves a combination of:
- Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs to identify abnormalities.
- Blood tests: While not definitive, certain blood tests can detect markers that suggest mesothelioma.
- Biopsy: The only definitive way to diagnose mesothelioma is through a biopsy, where tissue samples are collected and examined under a microscope.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of mesothelioma, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. The main treatment approaches include:
1. Surgery
For pleural mesothelioma, surgical options may include:
- Pleurectomy and decortication (P/D): Removes the pleura and any visible tumors.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): A more extensive surgery that removes the affected lung, part of the diaphragm, and surrounding tissue.
Peritoneal mesothelioma may be treated with cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is often used:
- Before surgery to shrink tumors
- After surgery to kill remaining cancer cells
- As the primary treatment when surgery isn’t an option
Common drugs include cisplatin or carboplatin combined with pemetrexed (Alimta).
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used:
- After surgery to kill remaining cancer cells
- To relieve pain and other symptoms in advanced cases
- As part of a multimodal treatment approach
4. Emerging Treatments
Several promising treatments are being developed or tested:
- Immunotherapy
- Gene therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Clinical trials evaluating new medications or treatment combinations
Living With Mesothelioma: What to Expect
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming. Here’s what to expect and how to manage this journey:
- Assemble your healthcare team: Seek treatment at specialized mesothelioma centers with experienced oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists.
- Understand your diagnosis: Learn about your specific type of mesothelioma, its stage, and treatment options.
- Manage symptoms: Work with your medical team to address pain, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms.
- Seek support: Connect with support groups, counselors, or therapists to help cope with the emotional aspects of diagnosis.
- Explore financial assistance: Look into insurance coverage, disability benefits, and legal options for compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma
Can I file a mesothelioma case without an attorney?
While it’s technically possible to file a mesothelioma case without an attorney, it’s strongly advised against. The process is complex, and attempting to file without legal representation can significantly reduce your chances of success and potential compensation.
Why is it difficult to file a mesothelioma case without a lawyer?
There are several reasons:
Hundreds of different trusts and companies are responsible for asbestos poisoning and toxicity.
It’s challenging to identify where exactly you were exposed to asbestos.
The companies involved have their own lawyers, making it nearly impossible for an individual to navigate the legal process alone.
Are there any options for filing a mesothelioma case independently?
There is one trust fund that an individual could potentially file with on their own. However, this approach is not recommended as it may significantly reduce your compensation.
How much compensation might I lose by filing on my own?
If you file independently, you may end up with as little as 25% of what you would receive if lawyers were handling your case.
Have people tried to file mesothelioma cases without attorneys before?
Yes, some clients have attempted to file cases on their own over the years. Unfortunately, these attempts have generally resulted in what legal experts describe as “complete disasters.
What are some sources of asbestos exposure that mesothelioma victims might encounter?
Mesothelioma victims often have multiple exposure sources, including:
– Johns Manville insulation
– Talcum powder
– Asbestos dust from roofs
– Sheetrock (drywall)
Is it in my best interest to try filing a mesothelioma case without an attorney?
No, it’s not in your best interest. While it’s somewhat possible to file on your own, the complexities of the process, the potential for errors, and the likelihood of receiving significantly less compensation make it advisable to seek professional legal representation.
Contact Us for Assistance
Understanding what mesothelioma is represents just the first step. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this devastating disease, our experienced attorneys can help you explore your legal options.
Contact MesotheliomaAttorney.com today at 855-680-0452 for a free consultation. We’re committed to helping mesothelioma patients and their families get the support and compensation they deserve.
