Mesothelioma Information – Frequently Asked Questions

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It’s a terrible diagnosis that leaves patients and their families with a lot of questions. Talk to your doctor and find a specialist to get all your most important questions answered.

What Is Mesothelioma?

This is one of the most common questions since mesothelioma is considered a rare disease. Malignant mesothelioma is cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, a double-layer of tissue that lines the body’s organs.

The most common type of mesothelioma affects the pleura, the tissue around the lungs. However, mesothelioma can affect several parts of the body, including the heart and abdomen.

In most cases, people affected by mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while on the job and via products that contain asbestos-containing products. Companies that supplied asbestos and asbestos-containing products are usually liable for damages if they provided no warnings regarding their products.

As a result, several asbestos trust funds have been set up to compensate people suffering from mesothelioma due to the negligence of others. Over $30 billion has been set aside in trust funds.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to significant compensation.  Trust funds with more than $30 billion are available right now for those diagnosed with an asbestos disease. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on qualified mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

What Causes Mesothelioma?

The leading cause of mesothelioma cancer is prolonged exposure to asbestos. In some rare instances, victims may get mesothelioma after being exposed for only a short period.

Most mesothelioma victims get the disease by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers in the workplace.

Who Is Most at Risk of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma victims range from oil workers, factory workers, teachers, military personnel, mechanics, ship workers, construction crews, and more. Anyone exposed to asbestos daily is capable of getting the disease.

Men get mesothelioma at higher rates than women. This is most likely because the jobs that previously used asbestos were worked more by men than women.

Can Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Cause Mesothelioma?

There have been some reported cases of mesothelioma from second-hand exposure. For instance, a spouse washing the clothes of someone who worked around asbestos for prolonged periods can lead to cancer.

Typically, though, most people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed first-hand while working around asbestos for extended periods.

Is There a Cure for Mesothelioma?

At this time, there is no cure for mesothelioma. However, there are a variety of treatment plans available, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and alternative treatments that help kill cancerous cells and put the disease into remission.

Can I Survive Mesothelioma?

Although there is no cure for the disease, treatments are available. Many mesothelioma patients prolong their lives while managing the pain and symptoms through aggressive treatment.

Most victims don’t experience the first symptoms of mesothelioma until decades after exposure to asbestos. But, the sooner you can get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment. Earlier treatment increases the possibility of surviving.

Is Treatment for Mesothelioma Expensive?

Mesothelioma treatment can indeed get expensive. Whether your treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combinations of all three, the prices for treatment need to be factored in.

Planning for expenses beforehand and educating yourself on the costs will help, but there are also charities, government-assistance programs, insurance, and other forms of financial assistance for which you may qualify.

Are There Any New Treatments That Increase Mesothelioma Survival Rates?

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), clinical trials are currently being held to help figure out new treatments for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

If physicians and scientists can determine effective treatments during clinical trials, they may become available to the public.

What Is a Mesothelioma Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a research study where people volunteer to help scientists and physicians determine effective treatments for diseases.

Mesothelioma clinical trials were created to help find new ways to treat cancer, find and diagnose new patients, determine better pain management, and more.

Mesothelioma clinical trials are set up for all stages of the disease, even those in the beginning stages. However, participants must pass the eligibility requirements of each trial. For more information, contact the Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER.

I Got Mesothelioma After Working in a Factory That Contained Asbestos for Years. Can I Sue?

Yes. You must have developed the disease after being exposed at work or via a product that contained asbestos. A lawyer can help you find the proof to make your case.

Almost every mesothelioma victim developed the disease after prolonged exposure to asbestos in the workplace, while others developed it from using asbestos products.

Even after asbestos was proven to be harmful, some businesses continued to use the mineral, risking the health and lives of the workers. You should not have to pay for something that was out of your control, which is one of the primary reasons that asbestos trusts funds were created.

Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers will assist you and fight to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Do Any Lawyers Specialize in Mesothelioma Cases?

Yes, in fact, it’s highly recommended that you choose an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma cases. Mesothelioma attorneys have specialized training, experience, and knowledge of asbestos-related diseases and issues, including how to uncover the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma lawyers also understand the disease and its complications in-depth and will almost always provide you with a better shot in successfully winning your case.

I’d Like to Know More About My Rights. Can You Send Me More Information?

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for significant compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you need additional assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.