Asbestos Cancer

Types of Mesothelioma: Where It Develops

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that arises from cells in the mesothelium, which is a protective lining that covers many internal organs. It most commonly develops in the pleura (lining of the lungs), peritoneum (lining of the abdomen), pericardium (sac surrounding the heart) or tunica vaginalis testis (lining around the testicles).

The most common types of mesothelioma include:

Pleural Mesothelioma – Attacking the Lung Lining

• Develops in the pleura, which is the lining around the lungs
• By far the most common type, accounting for a full 75% of all mesothelioma cases
• Main symptoms may include severe chest pain, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing
• Diagnosed through imaging tests and biopsy of lung tissue
• Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials

Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Invading the Abdomen

• Develops in the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity
• The second most common type, accounting for around 20% of mesothelioma cases
• Symptoms may include abdominal swelling and pain, nausea, bowel obstruction, anemia, fever, night sweats
• Imaging and biopsy of peritoneal tissue used for diagnosis
• Treatment may involve surgery, heated chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials

Pericardial Mesothelioma – Around the Heart

• An extremely rare form that develops in the pericardium, which is the membrane around the heart
• Approximately 1% of mesothelioma cases are pericardial
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and difficulty breathing are common symptoms
• Echocardiograms, CT scans and MRIs used to diagnose
• Aggressive treatment is essential, and may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation

Testicular Mesothelioma – The Rarest Type

• Develops in the tunica vaginalis testis, which is the lining around the testicles
• Less than 1% of mesothelioma cases occur here, making it exceptionally rare
• A painless lump or swelling in one testicle is the most common initial symptom
• Ultrasounds and biopsy of the testicular lining used for diagnosis
• Treatment focuses on removing the affected testicle and surrounding tissue

If you or a loved one have received a diagnosis for any form of mesothelioma, please contact our mesothelioma lawyers today. We will immediately begin investigating your case and fighting to get you the maximum compensation possible under the law.

Other Deadly Asbestos-Related Cancers

In addition to mesothelioma and its subtypes, asbestos exposure is also known to cause several other forms of life-threatening cancer. This is because when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause chronic inflammation and cellular damage that leads to malignant changes. Some of the other cancers linked to asbestos include:

Lung Cancer – The Most Common Asbestos Cancer

• Most common cancer attributed to asbestos exposure, but much more prevalent than mesothelioma
• Develops when inhaled asbestos fibers get lodged in lung tissue and cause cellular mutations
• Main types are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer
• Symptoms may include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, weight loss
• Diagnosed via imaging tests and lung biopsy
• Treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy

Gastrointestinal Cancers – From Swallowing Asbestos

• Increased risk of esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancers
• Caused by swallowing asbestos fibers, which damage the lining of the digestive tract
• Symptoms like difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, bowel changes, depend on the location
• Endoscopies and biopsies used to diagnose
• Treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.

Laryngeal and Pharyngeal Cancer – In the Throat and Neck

• Cancers in the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat) associated with asbestos
• Usually only seen after very heavy and prolonged asbestos exposure
• Symptoms can include hoarse voice, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, neck mass
• Exam, endoscopy and imaging tests used to diagnose
• May require surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and rehabilitation

The extensive damage caused by asbestos exposure has been studied for over a century. Yet greedy corporations continued to mine, manufacture and install these toxic materials up until only a few decades ago. If you have developed cancer after being exposed, you deserve justice. The mesothelioma lawyers at Braver Law will stop at nothing to get you properly compensated for any suffering asbestos may have caused for you or your loved ones. Please contact us today for help filing a claim.

Our Mesothelioma Lawyers Fight for Asbestos Cancer Victims

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed, Braver Law’s mesothelioma lawyers can help you get compensation. At Braver Law, our network of lawyers has secured billions for clients. Contact us today to start your free case review and get help filing a claim.

The Strong Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Extensive medical research over decades has proven a direct causal link between inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers and developing mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was heavily mined and used in thousands of industrial and construction products until the 1980s. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can become lodged in the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, and cause chronic inflammation and cellular damage that leads to malignant mesothelioma tumors.

This cancer is almost exclusively seen in people with a history of asbestos exposure. There is no question that negligent companies are responsible for exposing workers and consumers to the dangers of asbestos. Our mesothelioma lawyers will fight to hold them fully accountable and get you compensation.

How Asbestos Fibers Directly Cause Cancer

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can penetrate deep into the body’s tissues and cause direct DNA and cellular damage that leads to cancer. The needle-like fibers irritate and inflame the lining of organs like the lungs, called the mesothelium. In this chronically inflamed environment, cells begin dividing uncontrollably, developing mutations and eventually forming cancerous tumors.

This process takes decades, which is why mesothelioma typically appears 20-50 years after exposure. The more asbestos someone is exposed to, the higher their risk becomes. Our mesothelioma lawyers use medical evidence to prove companies’ responsibility for your exposure and resulting cancer. You deserve compensation.

Key Risk Factors for Asbestos Cancer

While asbestos exposure is the prime risk factor for mesothelioma, certain groups face even higher cancer risks:

• Asbestos Miners/Millers: Heavily exposed extracting asbestos from the earth
• Construction/Contractors: Installed asbestos insulation, roofing, siding, drywall
• Navy Veterans: Used asbestos extensively in ships without protection
• Factory Workers: Manufactured asbestos textiles, gaskets, brakes and more
• Power Plant Workers: Worked around asbestos in facilities’ insulation
• Steel Mill Workers: Exposed to asbestos in mills’ insulation and hot environments
• Boiler Workers: Maintained asbestos-insulated boilers, pipes, and turbines
• Pipefitters: Handled and installed asbestos insulation on piping systems
• Shipyard Workers: Built, repaired, and dismantled ships containing asbestos

Our network of mesothelioma lawyers have represented mesothelioma victims from all of these professions. If you were exposed to asbestos at work, we will stop at nothing to get you the compensation you deserve.

The Impact of Repeated Asbestos Exposures

Research shows the risk of developing mesothelioma tends to increase with more frequent, prolonged and intense asbestos exposure over time. People exposed repeatedly on a regular basis are more likely to become ill. That is because more exposure means more fibers lodged in the body, causing more inflammation and cellular damage.

People exposed to high concentrations of asbestos also have more risk. At Braver Law, our network of lawyers has secured billions in compensation for mesothelioma victims exposed to asbestos day after day. Let us fight for the compensation you have earned.

Co-Factors May Also Increase Asbestos Cancer Risks

While asbestos is the clear cause of mesothelioma, some research indicates other factors like smoking and genetics may also play a role. For example:

• Smoking: Can worsen lung inflammation caused by asbestos
• Drug/Alcohol Use: May increase inflammation and cancer risks
• Genetics: Family history may predispose some people to cancer
• Radiation Exposure: May compound cellular damage from asbestos

However, asbestos exposure remains by far the prime cause of mesothelioma. Our mesothelioma lawyers will help you file claims with companies trying to blame other factors and avoid responsibility. You or your loved one developed this cancer because of asbestos exposure. Contact us today – you deserve compensation.

Getting an Accurate Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Because mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer, getting properly diagnosed can be difficult. It often takes multiple doctor visits before the right tests are ordered. Diagnosis typically involves imaging scans to look for tumors, as well as a biopsy to examine cells under a microscope. Accurately identifying mesothelioma is critical, because treatment options and prognosis depend on the type and stage of cancer. Our mesothelioma lawyers can help you find renowned mesothelioma specialists who will provide a clear diagnosis, as well as top treatment. You can focus on your health – let us handle the legal fight.

Mesothelioma Lawyers Can Help You Get Compensation

At Braver Law, our mesothelioma lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, while you focus on your treatment and recovery. We will demand justice from the corporations that negligently exposed you and your loved ones to the dangers of asbestos. And we will fight for maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. Don’t wait – contact us today for a free case evaluation and to file a claim. Our lawyers are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions about Asbestos and Cancer