For nearly a century, asbestos was one of the most commonly used materials in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. By the time researchers discovered the negative effects asbestos has on our respiratory system, millions of workers had already been exposed to the lethal material.
Exposure to asbestos has been linked several types of respiratory diseases and cancers. The most common being lung cancer, affecting more than 4,800 people each year. Mesothelioma is the second-most common disease as a result of asbestos exposure, affecting nearly 3,000 Americans every year. Asbestos exposure is almost always the cause of mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos exposure most often occurred in auto repair shops, schools, industrial settings, shipyards and public buildings. Working with cement pipes, brake shoes, insulation, roofing, packing materials, Navy ships, or other common products associated with asbestos can cause mesothelioma cancer. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains and abdominal pain. These symptoms can take anywhere from 20-50 years to arise. There is no cure for mesothelioma but treatment helps to reduce symptoms and prolong survival.
You can still file a case even if your last asbestos exposure was 20 to 30 years ago.
There are three different types of mesothelioma cancer:
1. Pleural: Pleural is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for about 75% of all cases. This type of mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs.
2. Peritoneal: Peritoneal is the second most common type, accounting for about 10 – 20% of all cases. This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal responds best to a combination of surgery and heated chemotherapy.
3. Pericardial: Pericardial accounts for 1 percent of all cases. This type emerges from the lining of the heart. It is the most difficult to treat because the tumors are very close to the heart.
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we can help. Contact us immediately and fill out our free evaluation form.
Learn more about asbestos exposure by visiting Asbestos.com.
