Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from transformed cells originating in the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body, the mesothelium. It usually develops in the pleura or the outer lining of the lungs, and the peritoneum or the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Have You Been Exposed to Asbestos?
People who develop Mesothelioma are usually those who were exposed to asbestos dust and fibers. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, asbestos became an extremely popular product for use in building and electrical insulation. It is estimated that during the 20th century, approximately 30 million tons of asbestos was used in construction projects across the United States alone.
People employed in mining, milling, insulation, textile manufacturing, construction, and ship building are especially at risk because of the prevalence of asbestos’ used in those industries and productions. Although its use diminished when its reported risk began coming to light, the asbestos containing products still remain in those sites and buildings and the risk that it becomes airborne is still just as strong.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Diagnosing Mesothelioma early on has proven to be difficult for two reasons: the initial symptoms are often overlooked, and they do not start until years after asbestos exposure. The early signs and symptoms are not only subtle, but are often ignored by people who attribute them to other common diseases. Some of these symptoms are already experienced by the patient for several months before being diagnosed with Mesothelioma.
Additionally, due to the latency period of asbestos reactions and Mesothelima, patients only typically begin to show symptoms 15 to 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. Among the symptoms are:
- Anemia
- Blood clotting disorder
- Bowel obstruction
- Chest fluids
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Difficulty in breathing and sleeping
- Dysphagia
- Fever
- Fluid effusion
- Hemoptysis
- Mass in abdomen
- Night sweats
- Obstruction of bowel
- Pains in the lower back
- Pains in the side of the chest
- Weight loss
Should You File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
Symptoms of Mesothelioma and the severity of the illness vary from case to case. Health, age, and other factors also affect the severity of the symptoms. This cancer is a serious condition, because generally, by the time it is diagnosed, it has already spread beyond the point of surgery.
Do You Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you or a loved has been exposed to asbestos and have suffered from Mesothelioma, the Rhode Island attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates want you to know that you may be entitled to compensation. Working with the leading Mesothelioma lawyers handling asbestos lawsuits, d’Oliveira & Associates are able to handle your claim and work hard to get the compensation you deserve.
Please contact the law offices of d’Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
Rate this Post
Loading...