Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma

Q: What is asbestos?

A: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction, engineering and manufacturing industries between 1940 and 1970. Asbestos was popular for its physical properties, including its flexibility, ability to insulate and resistance to fire. Asbestos was commonly used during World War II. It has been discovered in more than 5,000 products since the 1800s.

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Q: What types of cancer are caused by exposure to asbestos?

A: Mesothelioma is among the most serious forms of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Colon cancer, esophageal and larynx cancer may also be caused by asbestos exposure.

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Q: What is mesothelioma?

A: Mesothelioma is a serious form of lung cancer that manifests within the lining of lungs, abdomen and the heart. Mesothelioma may take 20 to 50 years for symptoms to develop, so for people who were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1970, symptoms may just now be developing.

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Q: What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

A: Symptoms of mesothelioma may include shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent cough. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to that of a lung infection when the disease is in its early stages.

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Q: Is there more than one type of mesothelioma?

A: There are two common types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest area. Symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and fluid in lungs. Less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fever, night sweats and weight loss.

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the abdominal area and may cause pain, girth, fluid buildup, mass and/or distention. Other side effects of peritoneal mesothelioma may include weight loss, fatigue, fever, anemia and digestive disorders.

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Q: Are there other illnesses associated with asbestos exposure that are non-cancerous?

A: Asbestosis is a non-cancerous disease caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, persistent cough and pain. Asbestosis is a slow progressing, irreversible disease that has serious side effects, such as clubbing of the fingers, when it’s in its advanced stages.

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Q: Who may have been exposed to asbestos?

A: Those who worked directly with or around asbestos have the highest risk for mesothelioma. Unfortunately, many workers breathed in asbestos particles but were not warned about the dangers.

People who were indirectly exposed to asbestos may also be at risk. For instance, construction workers would often bring asbestos home with them on their clothing and unknowingly put their loved ones at risk.

Those who held the following occupations may have the highest risk of mesothelioma:

• Boilermakers: constructing boilers filled with insulations
• Building tradesmen: bricklayers, millwrights and carpenters
• Electricians and mechanics
• Insulators
• Maintenance workers and laborers in manufacturing plants
• Plasterers: fireproofing on steel beams
• Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
• Shipyard workers and Navy personnel
• Steel, refinery and other industrial workers

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Q: What is a typical mesothelioma prognosis?

A: Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed by way of clinical and radiological procedures, in addition to biopsies and pathology. There are treatment options for mesothelioma patients, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy; however, the typical prognosis for a mesothelioma is only a few months, in most cases.

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Q: What should I do if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?

A: If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos, you may have rights to compensation for your pain and suffering. You should contact the Ohio injury lawyers at Elk & Elk to learn your rights.