Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of some of the body’s major organs, which is known as the mesothelium. The mesothelium helps to keep these organs protected and lubricated to aid proper bodily function. The mesothelium that can be affected by this form of cancer is around the lungs, heart, and abdominal region. Malignant mesothelioma is a deadly cancer, and is the result of exposure to asbestos dust and fibers, which have been breathed in or swallowed.

This form of cancer has become a rising problem in countries all around the world, and this is because up until the late 1970s and 1980s, asbestos was widely used in various industries and applications, with many people working with asbestos and asbestos products on a daily basis. This resulted in many workers being exposed to asbestos in the past, but because of the long latency period of this cancer, many of these victims have only just realized that they have contracted malignant mesothelioma.

It is important for anyone who has worked with asbestos in the past, or may have been exposed to asbestos at high levels or for long periods, to advise their doctor of the risks. Malignant mesothelioma has a number of symptoms, but these are mostly non-specific, which means that they could be linked to a myriad of other more common diseases, which, in turn, increases the risk of a mis-diagnosis and delayed treatment. Although there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, there are treatments that can help to improve the quality of life and even slightly extend the lifespan.

Many of those that have developed malignant mesothelioma have successfully claimed compensation for their injuries, with multi-million dollar payouts made for pain and suffering, loss of income, and medical expenses. Families of those that have already died from malignant mesothelioma have also claimed against various companies for wrongful death. Those wishing to make a claim in relation to malignant mesothelioma should use a specialist asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer with experience and skill in this area of litigation.