Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Mesothelioma Cancer From Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer that primarily affects those who have (at some point in their lives) been exposed to asbestos fibers. This can affect the lining of the lungs, as well as the linings of the heart and abdomen. The lining is also known as the mesothelium.
This form of cancer is almost always highly malignant and often leads to mortality within just a few years. Lawsuits about this deadly disease have been steadily growing, and while asbestos is now banned in most countries, it seems that many more people are destined to be affected by it.
Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer
The first documented cases of mesothelioma occurred in the early 1940s, but as we understand it now, this cancer takes root early and lies dormant in its hosts. It can take anywhere from 20 years to 50 years from the time of exposure for mesothelioma to actually manifest itself.
It is this period of dormancy that made the relationship between the cause and effect of this disease so difficult to establish. While those who experienced prolonged exposure are more likely to get this form of cancer, even people who were only exposed for a few months are sometimes at risk.
Early indications of mesothelioma, and the dangers of inhaling asbestos, came about in the very early 1900s in Great Britain.
Serious health problems started to become a major issue for people working in factories. It wasn’t until 1930, however, that the British government launched a study to determine the link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer.
Due to its long dormant period, the relationship between the cause and effect took much longer to discover. While there was a lot of evidence pointing to the relationship between cancer and asbestos fibers, the industry was very profitable and many of its companies made little effort to try and establish a connection.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
It wasn’t until the 1950s that a South African medical researcher discovered the exact link between prolonged exposure and this type of lung disease. He studied 33 cases of severe lung disease – and 32 of those cases had been heavily exposed to asbestos.
Unfortunately, even in the face of this evidence, businesses and governments were slow to move and many companies that owned mines and factories actually tried to discredit the report or hide its findings.
During that period, very few people who worked with this deadly mineral were ever alerted to the dangers that they faced from mesothelioma and other serious illnesses.
Finding A Mesothelioma Lawyer For Help
Today, many people are aware of the relationship between asbestos and the diseases that it causes. It is considered a serious occupational hazard for over 1.3 million workers in America alone.
Those who work in the construction and building renovation industries are the most at risk for developing this form of lung disease. Many veterans were exposed during the war and many who worked in factories building ships, submarines, and armored vehicles fell victim to the disease.
As the number of lawsuits and other related illnesses continue to grow each year, it is clear that, even with the prohibitions on asbestos and the widespread release of medical information, the problem is far from over.
Finding an expert lawyer to file a lawsuit is key. The United States is presently considering a full ban on the use of this material. According to recent reports, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of it within the next decade.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Unfortunately, as of this writing, there is no known cure for mesothelioma. While the cancer does sometimes respond to treatment in the form of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, these measures are merely palliative.
Even with excellent treatment, most people do not survive more than 5 years after being diagnosed with the disease.
This is why programs dedicated to information awareness and to the prevention of exposure are extremely important to help insure that additional individuals are not exposed to this potentially deadly material and put at risk for mesothelioma.
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