Mesothelioma is a rare type of tumor that arises in the mesothelium, a membrane that lines the cavities of the body (such as the chest and abdomen) and also covers and protects most of the body's internal organs. In the chest, the mesothelium is known as the pleura, where it covers the lungs ('visceral pleura') and lines the internal chest wall ('parietal pleura'). There is a 'potential space' between the visceral and parietal pleura, which normally contains about 10 mls of lubricating fluid that reduces friction between the chest wall and the lungs. In the abdomen, the mesothelium is called the peritoneum, while that surrounding the heart is called the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma can be either benign or malignant. Benign mesothelioma may occur wherever there is mesothelium, is localized, and does not invade nearby tissues. It may cause problems because of a mass effect with compression or blockage of adjacent structures but can usually be managed by surgical removal. Unlike malignant mesothelioma, benign mesothelioma has no association with asbestos exposure.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that is closely correlated to asbestos exposure. Most malignant mesothelioma occurs in the pleura (65-70%) but may also arise in the peritoneum (25%), the ovaries and scrotum, or the pericardium. All forms of mesothelioma have a very poor prognosis (outlook), and are usually rapidly fatal. Asbestos manufacturers and their insurers have been aware of the dangers associated with asbestos since the 1930s. However these groups have not only failed to protect workers and the public, but have conspired to prevent the health risks of asbestos from becoming widely known.
Risk factors for malignant mesothelioma
Risk factors are those activities that increase the chance of getting a particular condition or disease. Malignant mesothelioma is a very rare cancer, and the vast majority of cases are associated with exposure to asbestos (either its production or use in various industries). In fact, because asbestos is used so widely in the building and other industries, even in those cases where a history of asbestos exposure is not evident, it is likely that the victim was exposed without his/her knowledge. Other risk factors that are associated with malignant mesothelioma less often include:
Radiation. Cases of malignant mesothelioma have been reported after exposure to radiation, but the association is not very strong. The use of Thorotrast (thorium dioxide), a radioactive substance used for 'contrast' x-ray studies in millions of people between 1930 and 1955, has also been associated with malignant mesothelioma (particularly peritoneal mesothelioma).
Polio vaccine. Between 1955 and 1963, some batches of polio vaccine were contaminated with the Simian Virus 40, which has been detected in certain rare cancers, including malignant mesothelioma.
Erionite. This is a type of zeolite silica stone containing fibrous/wool-like strands that is widely used for house construction in the Cappadocian region of Turkey, where ~1% of the population dies from malignant mesothelioma each year.
Chronic pleural disease. In one study of 35 patients with malignant mesothelioma, 3 had evidence of long-term pleural tuberculosis, but not of asbestos exposure.
Note that smoking tobacco does not appear to increase the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma in those exposed to asbestos. However, smoking does greatly increase the risk of developing bronchogenic lung cancer (i.e. arising in the breathing tubes/airways).
Mesothelioma Lawyer
Every year, thousands of individuals are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma - a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the heart, lungs, and abdominal cavity and is primarily attributable to asbestos exposure . Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used prior to the 1970s in building materials and a number of consumer products. Health and government officials now deem asbestos a carcinogen and strictly regulate its use.
Unfortunately, symptoms of mesothelioma often take decades to appear. And the prognosis for individuals with mesothelioma tends to be poor since the cancer has already progressed to advanced stages by the time they are diagnosed.
People who have developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos-exposure may be eligible to seek compensation for their losses through a mesothelioma lawsuit . If you or a loved one suffers from mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure, a qualified mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand and maximize your legal rights.
Why Contact A Mesothelioma Lawyer?
A qualified mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate your claim and provide you with competent legal counsel. You may be entitled to seek financial assistance to compensate your damages, in which case a mesothelioma lawyer can litigate your case.
Over the years, mesothelioma lawyers have helped their clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for losses suffered. With the help of a mesothelioma lawyer, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages including: lost wages and earning capacity, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos-exposure, you do not have to suffer in vain. Our mesothelioma attorneys have a wealth of experience litigating asbestos-related cases and can help you bring responsible parties to justice. Also, our mesothelioma lawyers work on a "contingency fee" basis, which means that they work for free unless your case is successfully resolved.
Please contact us today for a FREE consultation with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers who can ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Risk factors for malignant mesothelioma
Asbestos as a risk factor for malignant mesothelioma
The likelihood of developing malignant mesothelioma relates to how long an individual has been exposed to asbestos (duration), how much they were exposed to (severity of exposure) and the type of asbestos. However, unlike other conditions associated with asbestos (which are associated with cumulative exposure), mesothelioma can follow very short-term exposures. In fact, in about 3% of cases, workers had less than 3 months exposure to asbestos. After exposure, there is a very long latent period between first exposure and development of malignant mesothelioma, usually of 30-45 years.
There are two main forms of asbestos: serpentine and amphibole. Chrysotile (or white asbestos) is the only form of serpentine asbestos; it is curly and flexible and accounts for 90% of commercial asbestos. There are various types of amphibole asbestos, which occur as microscopically thin, sharp rods that can penetrate deeply into the lungs. The risk of developing malignant mesothelioma is greatest with crocidolite (blue asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos), and least with tremolite and chrysotile. There is some suggestion that chrysotile has only a low association with malignant mesothelioma, and that the disease occurs in chrysotile workers either when there are high levels or because of contamination with the more dangerous forms.
Amongst the non-exposed, malignant mesothelioma is very rare, affecting 2-17 people per million; however the risk increases more than 1000 times in those exposed to asbestos. The life-time risk in the heavily exposed is 7-10%. In all, 1 in 10 asbestos workers die from malignant mesothelioma (pleural or peritoneal) -- although 1 in 5 die from the more common bronchogenic lung cancer.
Men are more at risk for malignant mesothelioma, because they were more typically involved in industries mining or using asbestos. The male-to-female ratio is thus around 3 to 1. Race is not a factor in the development of malignant mesothelioma.
