Pleural, Peritoneal Mesothelioma Linked to Asbestos in Massachusetts

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up two-thirds of cases, according to the Mesothelioma Center. Pleura are the membranes that surround the lungs and chest.

While this form of cancer surrounds the lungs, it is not lung cancer. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and the microscopic flakes easily attach to the pleura, forming this deadly cancer.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common, but equally deadly. The peritoneum is the lining of the abdomen. Asbestos, once ingested, can coat the lining of the abdomen and not only cause excessive fluid build-up, but cause tumors that can inhibit major organs.

Boston mesothelioma lawyers are well aware of the effects of both of these forms of cancer. Many clients have met with us after having been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma. Their family members endure the pain of knowing their time is limited. And it's typically the companies where these people worked so hard for decades that ignored the risks of asbestos that led to the exposure.

Italian researchers used data from 1995 to 2002 to discover that mesothelioma was most common in the industries typically associated with asbestos, such as cement, shipyards, oil refineries and petrochemical industries.

Another study looked at asbestos exposure specifically in connection with peritoneal mesothelioma. All peritoneal mesothelioma cases from 2000 and 2007 were examined and there were 110 cases. In 2000 and 2001, there were 515 pleural mesothelioma cases.

The research found that both victims of pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma had similar levels of exposure to asbestos in the cases studied. Researchers found that 60 percent of victims were exposed in their jobs, while about 7 percent were exposed in their environment or through their family. In pleural mesothelioma victims, twice as many were exposed both at home and on the job.

While there are no known cures, researchers are putting time and effort into studying this form of cancer and there are new, radical treatment options that may be helpful. As with any form of cancer, catching it early is always the best move. See a doctor who specializes in asbestos-related illnesses and get checked out today.

Mesothelioma Proves to be a Devastating Diagnosis Regardless of Form

Medical science continues its search for treatment options, but currently the cancer is classified as terminal as it has no known cure. Diagnosis is not usually given until roughly 30 to 40 years after initial exposure. This delayed diagnosis can make it difficult for a victim to link the cancer to the asbestos exposure that probably caused it decades earlier.

There are a number of stories regarding mesothelioma that provide a sense of inspiration and hope. But a Boston mesothelioma attorney should be contacted immediately if you or a loved one is diagnosed with this terrible disease as advances in treatment still only allow an estimated survival time of about one year. The news can be devastating to family member and with the help from an experienced attorney, you can fight to secure your family's financial well-being.

Depending on the type of mesothelioma that a doctor diagnoses, treatment may be an option. There are four different types of malignant mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This diagnosis makes up approximately 20 percent of mesothelioma cases. This cancer develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, or the peritoneal membrane. Symptoms of this form include weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, selling and bowel obstruction.

Pleural Mesothelioma: This form of the cancer develops in the lining of the lung, also known as the pleura. This is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma as it makes up about 75 percent of all new cases. Some of the symptoms can include shortness of breath, lumps under the skin, chest pain and persistent cough.