Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibres enter the body through the nose and mouth and settle on the mesothelial lining of significant body organs, inducing tumour cells’ formation. Blue-collar jobs in the 1930s and the 70s were the leading cause of mesothelial cancer. Many asbestos processing companies were operational, and construction and other asbestos-related forms of material were in high demand. Mesothelioma Navy veterans thought they were safe during their active days. However, the ships they thought were safe were loaded with tons of construction materials made of asbestos. As a result, many veterans have been reported to have developed mesothelioma and were exposed during their active service. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have a life span of about twelve to twenty-four months. The prognosis may, however, improve if proper treatment and care are observed.
There are four types of mesothelioma which includes
Pleural Mesothelioma
It is also known as lung mesothelioma. It is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres which settle on the lung mesothelium. Once exposed to asbestos fibres, the mesothelial cells become tumorous. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, according to the America Cancer Society.
Symptoms
- Sudden weight loss
- Build-up of fluid in the lungs
- Dry cough
- Inflammation underneath the chest
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is mesothelioma formed in the abdomen’s mesothelial lining due to ingestion of asbestos fibres, causing malignancy in those cells that eventually develop into cancer. A person with a pre-existing condition is more likely to develop this form of cancer than a normal state.
Symptoms
- Inflammations in the mesothelial lining of the gut
- Pain in the abdomen
- Sudden loss of weight
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is also known as heart mesothelioma. The interaction with the pericardium layer of the heart causes inflammations and fluid formation in the pericardium.
Symptoms
- Palpitation of the heart
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid formation in the pericardium
How to prevent mesothelioma
- Before taking a job, you should inquire about any asbestos health risks
- You should leave your protective gear back at work and never bring them home as you may expose those around you
- Asbestos materials should be disposed of with the guidance of state and federal regulations
- If you don’t have proper training, never do a job that involves asbestos
- Never use ordinary vacuum cleaners to clean remove asbestos fibres. You should use HEPA filters or a wet method of cleaning
- Never do a work that involves asbestos without protective gears.
- Quitting cigarette can also reduce the chances of developing asbestos-related complications.
When you are diagnosed with mesothelioma due to negligence by the employer, you need to prove three main things;
- The company had a duty to protect you from exposure.
- The company failed on its duty.
- The breach of duty caused you harm.
Once these three elements are in place, you need to file a formal lawsuit against your employer. You will need a mesothelioma lawyer to help you out with all the legal processes to enhance your chances of success. A lawyer will find out if the company has a trust fund and tell you how much settlement or compensation you will get.
