By now we’ve probably all heard the term ‘mesotheloma’, whether on the news, in the paper or from television commercials. Most of us, however, don’t really know what mesotheloma is, where it comes from, or what it does to those who suffer from it.

Simply put, mesotheloma is a form of malignant cancer. It strikes the protective membrane that covers and protects our internal organs, called the mesothelium, causing its cells to become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. This form of cancer can also spread, or metastasize, causing further damage to other organs and tissue of the body.

Mesotheloma is still relatively rare, with only about 2,000 new cases reported each year in the United States. It is usually associated with certain risk factors; the main one being prolonged exposure to the mineral asbestos. Of the reported cases, almost 80% of them involved a history of asbestos exposure. Often, this exposure occurred at work or on job sites, as the dangerous mineral was used in a lot of manufacturing plants in the past.

The danger of asbestos lies in the fact that it creates tiny particles of dust that get inhaled without the victim even realizing it. The asbestos dust was also frequently transferred to workers’ homes, exposing their families and others living in their homes and placing them at a much greater risk of developing the disease.

Mesotheloma can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often mirror those of several other possible conditions, and only a medical doctor can properly diagnose the disease.

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, pain in the chest area, abdominal pain, fever and swelling.

It’s important to note that manifestation of mesotheloma and its symptoms can take up to 50 years following the exposure to asbestos, so it’s often not until decades later that a victim learns of the dangerous conditions they had been subject to.

There are three common treatments for mesotheloma.

Chemotherapy – the use of anti-cancer drugs throughout the patient’s body, usually injected

Radiation – an attempt to kill the cancerous cells through the use of high-energy rays

Surgery – physical removal of cancerous cells from a particular area of the body

The decision of what type of treatment is best is usually based on how far the disease has progressed, and its location in the body. Doctors may also decide to use a combination of treatments to better combat the disease. Another option is participation in one or more of the many clinical studies that are being conducted. These studies are done in an attempt to find alternative methods for treating mesotheloma. Anyone considering taking part in a clinical study should first consult with their physician.

It wasn’t until a few decades ago that the dangers of asbestos exposure were made public. Many of the corporations involved, however, had known all along. Not surprisingly, a lot of employers tried to cover up their involvement to avoid being held responsible for their victims’ illness, pain and suffering. There have since been many personal injury lawsuits that have ended successfully and brought some kind of justice to those who have suffered as a result, or who have lost a loved one to this terrible disease.

Anyone who feels their mesotheloma was caused by asbestos exposure is urged to speak with a personal injury lawyer right away. Likewise, those who have lost a loved one to the disease have the right to seek compensation for their loss.