Mesothelioma cancer is a rare type of cells' cancer that is considered to be linked to asbestos exposure. It affects The Mesothelium which is a protective lining that surrounds the body's internal organs. The Mesothelium surrounding the lungs and the inside of the ribs is called the Pleura, around the abdominal organs it is called the Peritoneum and The Mesothelium surrounding the heart is known as the pericardium.
What does asbestos have to do with mesothelioma you may ask?
The only known cause of mesothelioma lung cancer in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos manufacturers knew about the hazards of asbestos seventy years ago - but they kept this knowledge to themselves. The first warnings to workers exposed to asbestos were given in the mid-1960s, and they were terribly inadequate. Even today, workers are not always told they are working around asbestos and are at risk for Mesothelioma, among other hazards.
Not only workers, but wives, daughters, and family members of those who have worked with asbestos have also died from mesothelioma cancer after becoming exposed to asbestos through washing their husbands or fathers work clothes. It is believed that around 100,000 people alive today will in the future die from mesothelioma. About 2000 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma lung cancer in the US each year.
What can a person with mesothelioma do?
- Seek out the best and most up-to-date information.
- Seek out the best medical care.
- Early screening for mesothelioma diagnosis.
- Consider consulting a mesothelioma lawyer, or law firm, for assistance with this asbestos-related injury.
- A large variety of resources regarding mesothelioma, and other kinds of cancer are available to you through community and medical support groups, asbestos victims' organizations, your place of work, as well as your family and friends.
There are different types of mesothelioma, as well as more information regarding the issue, which many are explained in our site.
