The Maune Raichle Law Firm

History of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is known primarily as the result of exposure to Asbestos and is one of the illnesses most associated with the known carcinogen asbestos. Extensive use of asbestos stopped in the mid 70's after legislation finally backed up what was known to the medical establishment for years: asbestos had strong links to many severe illnesses and workers should not be exposed to it. Mesothelioma is one disease which despite its severity, often takes decades to develop and was not diagnosed in large quantity before the early 90's when medical understanding about the disease increased and its successful diagnosis became common.

Research into mesothelioma shows that the most common type of mesothelioma, pleural or thoracic mesothelioma, is most commonly the direct result of exposure to asbestos. The majority of large US companies have a bad history of failing to notify their employees of the risk inherent in their jobs; asbestos is one of the great examples of this fact. Several national medical groups began warning of the health hazards associated with asbestos years before the ban took place, yet companies continued to allow their workers to work in close quarters with asbestos and without any type of protective masks. Courts the world over have found employers liable for illnesses caused by this exposure, and mesothelioma has been the illness at the center of the majority of these law suits.

Causing inflammation and the growth of tumors in and around the mesothelium which cover the lungs, heart, and peritoneal cavity, mesothelioma is known to spread rapidly to surrounding organs and to even become blood borne and spread throughout the body. The mesothelium is important in the lubrication and movement of internal body cavities as well as the transport of fluid and solids between the cavities. When mesothelioma tumors begin to grow on the outside of the heart, lungs, and other organs, decreased organ function is observed and often painful and labored breathing. The symptoms of mesothelioma are often so nondescript as to be easy attributed to other less serious conditions.