The Maune Raichle Law Firm

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is associated with the mesothelium, the lining that surrounds internal organs within the human body. The mesothelium is responsible for secreting the fluid which makes it possible for organs to move within the body without friction as well as creating the heart sac, abdominal cavity and thoracic cavity. There are three main groups of mesothelium cells, the pleura (thoracic cavity), peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pericardium (heart sac). Every group of mesothelium is made up of 2 thin layers of cells which help to allow for the movement of organs and body cavities.

Mesothelioma most commonly affects the pleural mesothelium and is associated with very few symptoms in its early stages. As mesothelioma progresses shortness of breath, labored breathing, and pains in the chest can occur, the most common early symptoms include dry coughing, night sweats, sudden weight loss, and fatigue. Early symptoms are often mistaken as general aging and are often dismissed by those affected by the disease. The generality of early symptoms also leads to misdiagnosis or in many cases are dismissed as unrelated symptoms.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually related to the finding of a plural effusion. The plural effusion is a the accumulation of excess fluid between pleural layers which is responsible for the shortened, painful breathing observed by the afflicted patient and is usually first observed in an initial chest x-ray. An MRI helps in definitive diagnosis and is used to determine the level of chest invasion. Pleural mesothelioma is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos and most often affects men 60-80 who have previous exposure to asbestos, usually the exposure occurred decades prior to diagnosis of mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you are interested in exploring your legal options, please contact us to discuss your case.