What Is Mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a type of aggressive cancer. Industrial workers, construction workers, electricians, mechanics and veterans of the armed services are most at risk for dangerous asbestos exposure. Even limited exposure to asbestos creates a risk of contracting mesothelioma. After exposure to asbestos, it can take from 15 to 60 years to develop symptoms of the disease and to receive a formal diagnosis.
Since the symptoms take such a long time to appear, victims often have no idea they contracted mesothelioma until they retire. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms below, talk to your doctor immediately. It is important that you tell your doctor about your history of asbestos exposure because mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other conditions. Diagnosing mesothelioma early may allow for more treatment options and a better prognosis.
If you develop the following symptoms, report them to your doctor: shortness of breath; fluid buildup around the lungs; fluid buildup in the chest cavity, abdomen, pericardial space or scrotum; pain in the chest, abdomen or testicles; chronic dry or painful cough; lack of energy; fatigue; loss of appetite or weight loss; lumps under the skin on the chest, in the abdomen or in the testicles; abdominal swelling; heart palpitations; fever and night sweats, difficulty swallowing; and general weakness.
The types of cancers commonly known as mesothelioma include:
- Pleural mesothelioma: Pleural mesothelioma affects the tissue lining the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common type of mesothelioma and is caused when asbestos fibers are inhaled and stick in the tissue lining the lungs.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma and affects the tissue lining the abdomen and abdominal organs. Rather than attacking the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the membrane that encompasses the lining of the abdomen.
- Pericardial mesothelioma: Pericardial mesothelioma affects the tissue lining the heart. This type of mesothelioma is rare and is caused by ingestion or inhalation of asbestos fibers that make their way to the pericardium tissue around the heart.
In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos-related lung cancer. Studies have established that the longer the exposure to asbestos and the greater the concentration, the likelier it is that the cancer is caused by asbestos. Its symptoms include cough, spitting up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and buildup of fluid in the lungs.
Assert Your Legal Rights Now
Since the symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer often do not appear for many decades after asbestos exposure, many victims and their families may inaccurately believe there is nothing they can do after a loved one receives a mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer diagnosis. However, the laws involving mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer claims take into account the long time between exposure to asbestos, the onset of symptoms and a formal medical diagnosis. If you contact us today, our experienced, compassionate lawyers will discuss all available avenues for asserting your legal rights now. Even if a loved one has already passed away from mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, you owe it to your family to call our office today about filing a claim.
It is extremely important to discuss your legal options as soon as you are aware asbestos is related to your medical diagnosis. Most individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma not only suddenly face their own serious illness, but they are also plagued with questions about the immediate and long-term needs of their families. Many have never met with an attorney before. Call on our team of attorneys today because we have counseled and provided guidance to individuals with mesothelioma and their families for more than 25 years. Through our experience, personal attention and compassion, we readily assist with options for medical treatment, strategizing and filing effective legal claims, and helping victims plan for the needs of their families.
At VanNess & VanNess, P.A., we handle every legal aspect of your mesothelioma case while you concentrate on obtaining the best medical care possible. Our attorneys are extremely sensitive to your needs and will strategize the best, most practical resolution and settlement of your case. The attorneys at VanNess & VanNess, P.A., have the national experience to handle even the most complex mesothelioma cases, with the compassion and extensive network of caring professionals you need right now.
Reach out to our compassionate attorneys and staff at VanNess & VanNess, P.A., today. The dedicated team of lawyers at VanNess & VanNess, P.A., achieves justice for mesothelioma victims and those they care about. We pledge to hold accountable companies that knowingly exposed you or a loved one to dangerous products containing asbestos.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease. Facing this diagnosis and the demands of the disease requires you to become educated about what lies ahead for you and your loved ones as soon as you are diagnosed. Surround yourself with the compassionate team of attorneys at VanNess & VanNess, P.A. They will take a firm stand for you and your loved ones against the companies responsible for wrongfully exposing you to this dangerous substance.
Your Mesothelioma Resource
If you or a loved one is newly diagnosed and you need information about mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer, our experienced and caring attorneys are here to help. We will provide useful information about treatment and surgical options from our directory of physicians and facilities in central Florida that treat patients with mesothelioma. We also stay informed on the latest updates regarding nationwide clinical trials for mesothelioma. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, we urge you to call us today at 352-436-4333 (866-697-6221 toll free) or contact us online.