What is Mesothelioma?

We see the term mesothelioma plastered all over the place. It is in law advertisements on television, in magazines, and on billboards. What is mesothelioma though? Why is it so important? Why are so many law firms and lawyers concerned with it? Mesothelioma is a terrifying form of cancer very seldomly cured. Why are lawyers so concerned about a cancer? Mesothelioma is mainly caused by asbestos inhalation. Asbestos was banned in use of various products in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to its known toxicity, but despite this, it is still found far too often in households and a multitude of products and jobs, exposing employees and families to a major danger. Lawyers and law firms are working to help those individuals and their families affected by mesothelioma to gain compensation for their preventable misfortune.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining, the mesothelia, of any organ. Most commonly, mesothelioma affects the pleura (the lining of the lungs) or the abdominal lining. However, it can affect the lining of any organ in the body. This cancer is aggressive and, far more often than not, deadly. For most, receiving this diagnosis is a death sentence. Mesothelioma is primarily caused by the inhalation of asbestos. However, being a cancer, there are numerous factors that may also come into it including genetics, an individual's lifestyle, his or her history of health, and various environmental factors.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that comes in six different types. This material has been in use for thousands of years; it was used in both ancient Greek and ancient Egyptian societies. Asbestos, previous to the 1980s was used in everything from clothing, construction, ships, aircraft, and all over houses and other buildings. Any home built before 1980 will commonlybe riddled with asbestos. Insulation, flooring tile, roofing, furnaces, plumbing, caulking, and more all have contained asbestos. Asbestos is now banned in over fifty countries. While the United States is not included on this list, it has banned asbestos in a number of products due to health and safety reasons. In the United States, there are more than 75 types of occupation that expose its employees to asbestos. Secondhand exposure can happen via inhalation of asbestos fibres that have latched into clothing or hair of those who work with the material, putting their families and friends at risk as well.

How does Asbestos cause Mesothelioma?

The inhalation of asbestos has been studied and linked to cause cellular mutations. When these mutated cells continually reproduce and the body does not do away with them, they become cancer. As exposure to asbestos is via the airways, mesothelioma is commonly found within the lungs and abdomen, where the asbestos contact occurred.

If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis for mesothelioma, visit the Mesothelioma Help Organization to receive help and support.