Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma (Malignant mesothelioma) is an uncommon lung cancer that is very difficult to diagnose, which incidence is alarming since it was associated to asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma is the worst of all of them and the one with the poorest response to therapy among all the forms of cancer.

Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral occurring in nature, and only identified under a microscope. As incombustible fiber, it was widely used for fireproofing and insulation in manufacturing and industry. However, due to its composition, fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed causing diverse diseases, including Mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Very popular in past decades, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos in manufacturing and construction, although there is too much polemic in this issue, since it is well known that asbestos is severely restricted but not totally withdrawn. Asbestos' fibers can pollute air or water, making the uncommon Mesothelioma cancer an everyday issue litigated as class action lawsuit nowadays.

Asbestos are easily found in the ground, and actually mined all over the world, but its indiscriminate use has been restrained. When the asbestos boom occurred, its fibers were added to a large number of different products for fire resistance and insulation. Over time, victims of asbestos developed mesothelioma and other problems caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.

Mesothelioma attacks the mesothelial cells of the body, that make up the membrane lining in both the chest and abdominal cavity. This membrane protects the organs by producing a fluid that serves to allow movement of the organs without irritating nerves. Asbestos directly attack the tissue called mesothelium, inhibiting this capability and developing cancerous cells.

The first public case involving asbestos and Mesothelioma was brought public opinion in 1995, and one of the first attorney's advocated to the lawsuit has obtained $700 million in compensation for the victims since then. One of the most commented lawsuits was taken to the court by 1960 Olympic gold-medal wrestler Terry McCann.

McCann described how asbestos settled on his clothes, his face, his hair, and into his eyes and lungs, while he worked at the Oklahoma refinery between 1957 and 1958. Asbestos dust filled the air within and surrounding the refinery, so it is more likely that hundreds people have developed Mesothelioma, and many of them would die or not know it they became victims.

Since the 1960s, more than 750,000 claimants have filed class action lawsuits, claiming compensation for injuries resulting from asbestos exposure. Possible symptoms or signs of mesothelioma may include pain under the rib cage and shortness of breath, swelling or pain in the abdomen, weight loss for unknown reason, lumps in the abdomen, or general trouble breathing.

The major problem with malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer is that both are too similar, and requires a large number of tests and procedures to determine the form of cancer. Such procedures and treatment to alleviate the pain are costly, therefore it is important get in touch with asbestos victims' organizations, and other community and medical support groups to file your case.