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Early Detection of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma lawyers and asbestos attorneys are called upon almost every day by the family of some one who has developed mesothelioma from years of exposure to asbestos in the past and needs to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to protect their future.

Unfortunately, many victims of mesothelioma are beyond medical help by the time they realize where they were exposed to asbestos and who may be at fault since they did not detect the disease early enough to receive sufficient treatment.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the mesothelium lining of the body’s internal organs. It most often attacks the lining of the heart, lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to tiny asbestos particles, which can be breathed in without knowing it.

Although asbestos is now known to be highly dangerous, unfortunately it was used in widespread applications from the 1930s until the late 1970s because of its superior industrial properties. It is heat resistant, does not conduct electricity and is highly pliable.

Millions of workers were exposed to asbestos in the military, manufacturing and industrial jobs during that time. Many family members also experienced secondary exposure as workers brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes. The use of asbestos has now been banned in the United States.

The problem with detection of mesothelioma is that it usually doesn’t surface for 20-30 years or more after exposure. Once it does surface, it advances quickly and leaves little hope for survival. At this time there is no known cure for mesothelioma. Each year there are around 2500 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed.

If mesothelioma is detected early steps can be taken to fight the disease such as removing affected areas of mesothelium lining. However, another problem with detection is that the symptoms of the disease resemble those of many less-serious conditions, and therefore are often ignored

The common symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, coughing, chest or abdominal pain, fatigue, trouble swallowing and weight loss. Since early detection offers the best chance of survival, it is important that you look for these symptoms if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, and see your doctor for regular checkups.