Mesothelioma Medically Devastates Many Over Multiple Years

February 21, 2008

Washington, D.C.: Mesothelioma presents itself often as a deadly after effect of asbestos exposure. Malignant Mesothelioma is infamous for being the "asbestos lung cancer." For many years Congress has tried to assist those suffering with this condition by making their lawsuits public knowledge. However, Congress has met with great opposition and has reached an impasse with trying to assist people afflicted with the illness.



Some camps believe that it is an impossibility for people to presently show signs of the disease due to asbestos contact. This has caused people with legal cases involving asbestos exposure some opposition and difficulty. Yet, many cases still move onward throughout the country due to the insidiousness of the disease. Asbestos was removed from most buildings, both homes and offices, during the 1970's. Asbestos can look like common insulation and usually is white and fibrous in appearance.



Pre-1970's many people didn't realize the risks of asbestos in construction until people fell ill with Mesothelioma. When cases proved to be in direct correlation to Mesothelioma, the American public stood up and took notice. However, Mesothelioma can lay dormant inside the lungs of its victims for fifteen to fifty years. It's possible someone could have been exposed to asbestos in their twenties and thirties and may not show signs of the disease until well into retirement.



Symptoms to watch out for that may be indicative of Mesothelioma (lung cancer) are: fevers accompanied with night sweating, fatigue and/or anemia, rapid weight loss, diminished appetite, swollen neck and face, difficulty swallowing, discomfort and tightness inside the chest, blood in fluid expectorated from the lungs, chronic cough that grows more prevalent over time, hoarse voice, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. It is important to remember that many of these symptoms may not appear for several years. It is necessary to be checked out by a health professional to help make a determination of adverse effects of asbestos exposure.



The mesothelium in the body acts as a "blanket" over organs giving protection to the organs as the lungs contract. It also aids in protection of the organs as they heart contracts and beats. The mesothelium surrounding the lungs and heart cavity is known as the pleura. When Mesothelioma enters this region it is often referred to Pleural Mesothelioma. Sometimes Mesothelioma will affect the lining of the abdomen. When this occurs, the condition is referred to as Peritoneal Mesothelioma.



The American legal community alleges that compensation may be available to victims that have been exposed. Manufacturers may have to compensate victims exposed to asbestos or asbestos related products they produced. Experts recommend seeking legal counsel if you or a loved one has sustained exposure to asbestos of any kind at any point in time. In some cases victims may be entitled to millions of dollars in compensation. Asbestos companies and those that produced asbestos products have laid aside billions of dollars to assist in future litigation the companies anticipate.



By Delsia Hartford