Mesothelioma is a type of cancer in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura, (
pleural mesothelioma) or the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum (
peritoneal mesothelioma).
Often people ask the question "What is mesothelioma?" Mesothelioma types such as abdominal asbestos mesothelioma (peritoneum) and pleural mesothelioma usually develop years after an initial exposure to asbestos. Indeed, the latency period can range from ten to more than fifty years before mesothelioma clinical symptoms manifest. For this reason, people
diagnosed these types of mesothelioma may be shocked to learn that a short-term exposure to asbestos years ago is the source of their present-day affliction.
When identifying, we must distinguish from what is lung cancer, which occurs in the lung itself (rather than the lining of the lung), colon cancer - which occurs in the gastrointestinal tract itself (rather than the lining of the abdominal cavity), and from what is mesothelioma. A distinguishing factor is that pleural mesothelioma and abdominal asbestos mesothelioma are not caused by cigarette smoking, while lung cancer may be connected to smoking.
While mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in the general population, it occurs frequently in people who have been
exposed to asbestos in the workplace. What is traditionally known as mesothelioma - a fatal lung cancer - is only caused by asbestos exposure. More than 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. In contrast, approximately 160,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year in this country.
There is no known cure for mesothelioma. However,
traditional mesothelioma treatments are available to prolong life and improve quality of life. If your type of mesothelioma isn't responding to traditional treatments, experimental treatments are available through
mesothelioma clinical trials.
A worker who develops mesothelioma is likely entitled to file a lawsuit against the companies who caused the asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma attorneys at Levy, Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP, with offices in New York and New Jersey, are experienced in obtaining compensation for people who have developed all types of mesothelioma. Before selecting a mesothelioma law firm to represent you in a mesothelioma case in New York or New Jersey, consider the
factors in choosing a mesothelioma law firm.
For more information, please call 1.800.637.6529, 24 hours, 7 days a week, or complete the email form on this page.
