Mesothelioma FAQs

What causes malignant mesothelioma cancer?

Malignant mesothelioma is a very rare cancer that is most often caused by exposure to microscopic asbestos fibers that embed themselves into the lungs and abdomen.

mesothelioma faq — Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can progress silently and may remain dormant for many years.

What are the types of mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are the two most common types of malignant mesothelioma cancer. The pleural sac, or mesothelium, is a membrane that surrounds the lungs giving them room to expand and contract as you breathe. Asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pleura and over time cancer begins to develop.

The peritoneum is similar to the pleural mesothelium except it lines the abdominal cavity. The mesothelioma cancer victim ingests asbestos fibers and cancer eventually develops in the stomach.

Is malignant mesothelioma curable?

At this time malignant mesothelioma is not a curable disease. However, increased medical technology has prolonged the life in many mesothelioma cases. Your best defense against the progression of malignant mesothelioma cancer is early diagnosis; consult with your doctor if you know you have been exposed to asbestos.

What are the available treatments for mesothelioma cancer?

Several mesothelioma cancer treatment options are available depending on how far the disease has progressed. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment have all been used to help slow the progression of mesothelioma cases.

Are there clinical trials for new treatments for mesothelioma?

Yes. Your best bet to find information about clinical trials would be to contact medical schools in your area. If there are no malignant mesothelioma clinical trials at that university they should be able to refer you to one that is offering programs testing new treatment for your or a loved one's mesothelioma case.

What about legal action and mesothelioma attorneys?

Litigation by mesothelioma attorneys on behalf of asbestos exposure victims has increased steadily for the past twenty years. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can progress silently and may remain dormant for many years. Thus, many who worked with asbestos products years ago are now beginning to discover their illness and retain mesothelioma attorneys to represent their case. Many companies that mined or produced products with asbestos knew that asbestos is a carcinogen and chose not to inform the men and women that worked with asbestos of this fact. A qualified mesothelioma attorney may be able to establish proof of asbestos exposure and hold these companies financially responsible for their negligence.

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If you or a family member is suffering from mesothelioma it is important to speak with a qualified mesothelioma attorney about compensation for suffering and medical expenses.