Causes of Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
Asbestos is one of the leading causes of work-related deaths in industrialized areas, and the death count continues to rise. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is directly linked to asbestos exposure. In most instances, the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma do not present themselves until twenty to thirty years after the exposure, causing a delay in mesothelioma diagnosis and a recent surge in asbestos-related deaths despite stricter regulations on its use.
There are three main types of mesothelioma:
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Pleural mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of mesothelioma cancer that affects the lining of the stomach. The cause of how asbestos developed into peritoneal mesothelioma is uncertain, however, researchers believe that asbestos clouds settled on workers' food, which caused them to digest asbestos fibers. Others hypothesize that asbestos settled on workers' clothing. Upon return from work, asbestos contaminated workers' homes, including their kitchens. Less than ten percent of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal mesothelioma.
As workers are subjected to asbestos exposure, they inhale small fibers, which become lodged in the lungs and the lining of the lungs. As a result, patients develop pleural mesothelioma, also known as asbestos lung cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma cancer, and accounts for approximately 70 percent of all cases. In some instances, inhalation of asbestos fibers leads to asbestosis, a type of lung disease that causes widespread inflammation and scar tissue.
Because asbestos does not have direct access to the heart through digestion or inhalation, the cause of pericardial mesothelioma is unclear. Medical professionals think that inhaled asbestos fibers become absorbed into the bloodstream. As they filtrate through the body, they settle in the lining of the heart and causes cancerous growths.
Mesothelioma life expectancy is usually short. There is no cure for mesothelioma cancer, so treating mesothelioma is an ongoing, often costly procedure. Mesothelioma treatment consists of one or a combination of the following:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Oncologists and other health care professionals are also researching the use of new chemotherapy agents, intensity modulated radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy and gene therapy to successfully treat mesothelioma. Research continues to develop in the field of cancer treatment in order to prevent the adverse side effects of traditional cancer therapies.
Many employers knowingly subjected their workers to years of asbestos exposure without properly protecting their workers, causing many mesothelioma victims to file personal injury claims to hold these employers to justice and to receive toxic exposure compensation. Several victims have filed a class action lawsuit against faulted parties and have been awarded a large mesothelioma settlement to help pay for their medical bills, lost income, lost opportunities, and pain and suffering.
Because mesothelioma cancer is a life-threatening, chronic condition, many victims die before being able to complete their lawsuit. Family members or heirs can file survivor claims as a continuation of victims' personal injury claims, and continue the deceased victim's fight for justice. In addition, family members or legal heirs can receive wrongful death settlements if the court of law finds that companies' and employers' negligence has directly contributed to a victim's death.