A mesothelioma diagnosis is a life-altering experience for you and your family—you’ll have hundreds of questions, some of which may include who is responsible, and how will you pay for medical costs and other related expenses?
At Gemma Law, you can expect compassionate advocacy and answers to all your legal questions. Below, our lawyers answer common questions about mesothelioma.
If your question isn’t answered below, please contact our Providence office at 401-467-2300 for a free consultation.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms within the lungs. This cancer is unique because of its latency period—the distance of time between exposure and the time it’s diagnosed.
How long does it take to show signs or symptoms?
Unfortunately, it can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after initial exposure to cancerous substances like asbestos. You may not experience symptoms until you’re diagnosed.
What is the prognosis of mesothelioma?
The prognosis of mesothelioma is disheartening. The median life expectancy of patients who undergo treatment ranges from approximately 22 months for stage one and two to approximately 15 months for stages three and four.
Are there different types of Mesothelioma?
There are four types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma—represents 80 percent of mesothelioma cases, and it affects the lungs specifically
- Peritoneal mesothelioma—represents 15 to 20 percent of mesothelioma cases, and it affects the abdomen specifically
- Pericardial mesothelioma—this is a very rare form of mesothelioma, representing one percent of mesothelioma cases; and it affects the heart
- Testicular mesothelioma—the rarest form of mesothelioma; affect less than one percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis
What causes mesothelioma?
The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral fiber. This heat resistance made it desirable in several industries, which induced its prevalence in automobiles, buildings, and throughout manufacturing industries.
What jobs are commonly exposed to asbestos?
Employees in specific industries are more prone to asbestos exposure. If you work in any of the following industries, you may have a higher probability of exposure:
- Asbestos miners
- Brake mechanics
- Demolition workers
- Electricians
- Home remodelers and insulators
- Plumbers and pipefitters
- Select military personnel
- Shipyard workers
What are the effects of Mesothelioma?
Depending on the area where mesothelioma is found, it can produce an array of effects.
For example, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients may develop fluid build-up in the lungs; small nodules along the lining of the lungs or abdomen; abdominal tenderness, fatigue, hernias, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Pericardial and testicular mesothelioma patients may suffer hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, low blood sugar, nerve damage in the face, or nerve pain in the extremities.
Emotional and psychological effects are also common following a mesothelioma diagnosis. Anxiety and depression are common along with other effects such as brain fog, confusion, and forgetfulness.
Who can I call for help?
A mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing. While a diagnosis is an important step toward understanding, many questions will still need to be answered.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to know that you have legal options, and you don’t have to fight alone.
Specifically, there are scenarios in which negligence can be proven and traced back to where you worked. If you feel that you have mesothelioma because of workplace negligence, then it may be necessary to speak with a lawyer to review your rights.
You and your family don’t have to suffer in silence. You can take action; Gemma Law can help you seek justice.
If you have questions about a mesothelioma diagnosis, please call our law firm at 401-467-2300, or contact us online for a free consultation.
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