What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer found in the lining of the chest, lungs, heart and abdomen which is only known to occur as a result of exposure to asbestos. According to the National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.
When related to the lungs, mesothelioma is actually a cancer of the lining of the lung, as opposed to asbestos-related lung cancer which occurs within the lung itself. Mesothelioma is not lung cancer. Instead, it is a specific kind of cancer that affects the lining around the lungs, heart, chest or abdomen. The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, making asbestos the major cause of mesothelioma in the United States.
Mesothelioma is a serious and life-threatening illness. It is an aggressive cancer that can be difficult to treat. Exposure to even relatively small amounts of asbestos can cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. A layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells line the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart. Mesothelium is the tissue formed by these cells. The most common form of the disease is pleural mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the lungs), followed by peritoneal mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the abdomen). The rarest form of the disease is pericardial mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the heart).
Mesothelioma symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain in the chest or back or pain or swelling in the abdomen. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue and weight loss. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may also include hoarseness, coughing up blood, swelling of the face and arms, muscle weakness, paralysis and sensory loss. Individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience pain in the abdomen, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, hernia, fluid in the abdominal cavity or a mass in the abdomen.
John Arthur Eaves has a proven track record and has represented thousands of individuals suffering from asbestos-related cancer. He can assist you in reviewing your history and investigating how you or a loved one may have been exposed to asbestos.
When you hire John Arthur Eaves to represent you, you will have no out-of-pocket costs. Mr. Eaves handles mesothelioma cases on a "contingency fee" basis, meaning you owe no legal fees or expenses unless and until he achieves compensation for you.
Call John Arthur Eaves at 1-800-316-2222 at your earliest convenience to make sure your legal rights are protected.