Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer with one confirmed cause—asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral compound widely used in industry throughout the 20th century. Those who were exposed are now at risk, even decades later. The Gori Law Firm helps victims of asbestos exposure seek justice and compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
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- Mesothelioma is a rare but serious cancer that develops from exposure to asbestos, a mineral used extensively in industry throughout most of the 20th century.
- Workers in the industrial, repair, and construction industries are at a particularly high risk, while their families can develop mesothelioma through secondary exposure.
- Mesothelioma does not usually appear until decades after the initial exposure.
- If you have or suspect a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss compensation.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of specific organs. The four main types are:
- Pleural: Develops in the lungs and is the most common type of mesothelioma
- Peritoneal: Develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, or belly
- Pericardial: Develops in the tissue around the heart
- Testicular: Develops in the tissue around the testicles
Asbestos exposure is the most well-known and well-established cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is made up of small, heat-resistant fibers. When people work with or remove asbestos, the fibers release into the air, and those nearby can inhale them.
Those fibers become lodged in the tissue, causing irritation that can lead to the development of mesothelioma. Explore our asbestos exposure resource to learn more about the connection between this material and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Statistics
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer, with most new diagnoses affecting older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the diagnosis rate per 100,000 adults is:
- 6.6 for those 85 and older
- 6.4 for those aged 74 to 85
- 2.4 for those aged 65 to 74
- 0.9 for those aged 55 to 64
Nationwide, just over 70,700 people received mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States between 1999 and 2021. Approximately 53,900 of those were men.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease, making up 81.4 percent of total diagnoses. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for another 10.5 percent, with all other types contributing the remaining percentage.
Patients with this uncommon and serious illness deserve compensation. A skilled attorney can help you fight for your rights.
Latency Period
Mesothelioma can take many years to develop in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms tend to develop 15 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. This can make identifying the source of exposure a challenge for some patients, but knowledgeable legal professionals can help.
Survival Rates and Life Expectancy
The overall five-year relative survival rate for mesothelioma is just 15 percent, meaning 15 percent of diagnosed individuals have the same likelihood of living for five years as a healthy person. Individual prognosis depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.
Determining spread is part of the diagnostic process and contributes to a patient’s mesothelioma prognosis. If the cancer is localized to a single organ, five-year mesothelioma survival rates increase to 23 percent. Once it spreads throughout the body, the rate is just 11 percent.
Determining mesothelioma life expectancy is a complex and individualized process, as it varies from person to person. Across the board, however, early detection can help patients and their families access higher-quality treatment. With proper legal guidance, many families can secure the financial resources to make these treatments a reality.
Risk Factors and Causes
The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, with 80 percent of patients reporting known contact with the substance. Even those without known exposure may have interacted with asbestos at some point, given its prevalence in industry and consumer products.
Workers in specific industries are particularly susceptible, as prolonged exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Professionals with high exposure include:
- Pipefitters
- Iron workers
- Drywallers and roofers
- Military servicemembers
Mesothelioma and Veterans
If you or your loved one served in the U.S. military, you may have had prolonged exposure to asbestos. The Armed Forces utilized asbestos extensively due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties, particularly in shipbuilding, aircraft, and personal protective equipment. Because asbestos was particularly prevalent in the Navy, veterans of this branch are at an exceptionally high risk.
If your military asbestos exposure caused you to develop mesothelioma, our experienced lawyers can help you seek compensation. We can assist you in applying for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Potential benefits for mesothelioma patients include disability, pension, and family benefits, depending on your situation.
Other forms of compensation may also be available. Review our comprehensive resource on asbestos exposure in the military to gain a deeper understanding.
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis
Mesothelioma symptoms depend on the type of disease. For example, pleural mesothelioma causes chest and respiratory symptoms, while peritoneal mesothelioma presents in the belly. The next step if you’re experiencing symptoms is to see a doctor, who may perform a diagnostic work-up.
Mesothelioma can be challenging to identify and diagnose, as its symptoms often mimic other diseases. It’s essential to know the symptoms and advocate for yourself, especially if you have known or possible asbestos exposure.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Each type of mesothelioma presents differently. Most patients experience pleural mesothelioma, which may cause symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lumps under the skin
Pleural mesothelioma presents in the abdomen, with symptoms such as:
- Swelling
- Belly pain
- Nausea
Fatigue and weight loss are common in all types of mesothelioma. Although these and other mesothelioma symptoms may signal any number of conditions, it’s wise to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis may improve medical treatment options and outcomes.
How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
A physical examination is the first step to mesothelioma diagnosis and staging, which determines the disease’s level of spread. This examination typically involves an interview with the doctor and diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray.
If the results suggest possible mesothelioma, your doctor may order a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. This test involves taking a sample of tissue or fluid and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.
When a test comes back positive, the doctor typically uses the results to determine the stage of the disease. Pleural mesothelioma has four stages, with stage 1 being the most localized and stage 4 being the most widely spread throughout the body. Other forms of the disease do not use the numbering system.
A delayed diagnosis may give the disease time to spread and reduce your treatment options, as well as the legal possibilities available to you. Mesothelioma can take time to diagnose accurately, given the nonspecific nature of symptoms and the fact that it can be challenging to view on scans, even for medical experts. To minimize delays, it’s important to request a diagnostic workup as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be treated effectively in some cases, but the stage and type of the disease significantly impact realistic possibilities. Mesothelioma medical treatment options range from radiation and chemotherapy to cutting-edge clinical trials.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Early-stage mesothelioma may be treatable and potentially curable through surgery. Even when surgeons cannot remove all of the cancer cells, surgical intervention can reduce symptoms and potentially improve life expectancy, depending on the stage of the cancer. Common procedures include:
- Pleurectomy and decortication: Removal of visible tumors and the tissue lining the ribs and lungs, currently the preferred surgical approach
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy: A complex and extensive surgery involving the removal of the affected lung, the membrane covering the heart, and portions of the chest lining and diaphragm
- Drainage and pleurodesis: Removal of fluid from the lungs, possibly paired with the introduction of medication to prevent fluid recurrence
A treatment team may recommend chemotherapy alongside or instead of surgery, depending on the patient’s treatment goals and the cancer’s spread. Chemo regimens may involve one or more compounds, cisplatin and pemetrexed being two of the most common.
Emerging Therapies and Clinical Trials
Scientists continue to research new ways of treating mesothelioma. One promising option is immunotherapy, which deactivates cancer cells’ ability to evade the immune system. Targeted therapy has also shown considerable promise. Unlike chemotherapy drugs, which often harm healthy cells as well as cancer cells, targeted therapies “look” for cancer cells and related cells and attack them exclusively. This can shrink the cancer while reducing damage to healthy tissues.
Clinical trials have also yielded positive results. In the United Kingdom, a study found that a new mesothelioma drug increased median survival by 1.6 months and quadrupled the 36-month survival rate when combined with chemotherapy. Another study showed that the cancer drug abemaciclib suppressed disease growth in more than half of the patients tested.
Participating in a clinical trial can provide mesothelioma patients with additional options not available to the general population. However, because these are experimental treatments, serious side effects can occur. Consult with a medical professional to discuss your options.
Legal Help for Mesothelioma Victims
If you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis or suspects you may have this condition, our attorneys are here to help. We can explain your compensation options, which vary based on your exposure history and medical situation. Possibilities may include:
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: Civil actions filed through the court system
- Asbestos trust funds: Court-ordered pools of compensation funds set aside by exposure-linked companies
- Wrongful death lawsuits: Compensation for families whose loved ones passed from mesothelioma
Each state has its own statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases, which may fall under the categories of personal injury, product liability, or wrongful death. It’s essential to act promptly and contact our experienced team for assistance in maximizing your recovery. We’ve recovered over $4 billion in mesothelioma case results and are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
A mesothelioma lawsuit is a multi-step process that starts with an attorney consultation. If you choose to work with us, we’ll begin building your case and gathering evidence to file a strong claim on your behalf.
Once we have filed, we continue to support you in negotiations with defendants and their insurers. If we go to court, we will represent your interests and pursue maximum compensation. Some clients receive payment in as little as 90 days, but the lawsuit timeline may be longer for complex cases.
Have You or a Loved One Been Diagnosed With Mesothelioma? We Can Help
The first step in mesothelioma compensation is to pursue and understand your diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to seek medical treatment and legal assistance, as prompt action can yield benefits across the board.
At The Gori Law Firm, we’re here for you every step of the way. Call 618-659-9833 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and explore your compensation options.