Aggressive Representation for an Aggressive Disease
Nationwide Representation of Mesothelioma Victims
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused only by exposure to asbestos. Only about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Because of its uncommon nature and symptoms similar to other diseases, mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Because it often goes undiagnosed until late stages when it has metastasized to other organs and tissues, it is difficult to treat.
The malignant form of mesothelioma is eventually fatal, but treatment can extend life by months and sometimes years, and there are effective therapies to ease the tremendous pain. If you or your family member has symptoms of mesothelioma, the Throneberry Law Office will advocate for your medical care and rightful compensation. Our experienced team helps clients get an accurate diagnosis to begin treatments to keep the cancer at bay or make life more comfortable in the end stages.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of tissues that encase the lungs, internal organs or the heart. It is not the same as asbestosis or lung cancer (which can also be caused by asbestos exposure). "Malignant" means that a tumor is cancerous, as opposed to non-cancerous mesothelioma, which are rare.
- Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent form, more than 80 percent of cases. It is a cancer of the pleura, the linings around the lungs. The most common indicators are chest pain, breathing problems and effusion (fluid) in the chest cavity.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form, about 10 percent of cases. It is a cancer of the peritoneum, the sac that holds the abdominal organs. It is characterized by abdominal pain and sometimes abdominal swelling, as well as vomiting, fever and bowel problems.
- Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form. This cancer invades the pericardium, the protective lining encircling the heart. Common symptoms include chest pain, cough and irregular heartbeat.
Typical latency — the period from workplace exposure to first symptoms of mesothelioma — is about 30 to 40 years. Thus the average mesothelioma patient is between 50 and 70 years old. Once malignant tumors develop, however, mesothelioma is aggressive. Most patients die within 12 to 18 months of diagnosis, unless the cancer is caught and treated at the earliest stages.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral prized for its special heat insulation and fireproofing properties. It was widely used in industrial settings and hundreds of common products from World War II up until the 1980s. Unfortunately, asbestos is toxic. Some people develop scarring of the lungs (asbestosis) from breathing asbestos fibers. Others develop mesothelioma as fibers travel from the lungs to other organs.
Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma, but even infrequent or one-time exposure can cause this devastating cancer. The majority of victims are men, because asbestos was so prevalent in male-dominated jobs in factories, foundries, mills, power plants, construction, shipbuilding and military service. But women who worked in those occupations also develop mesothelioma, and some victims are the wives and children who developed asbestos cancer through second-hand exposure to the dust and fibers. Our lawyers are skilled at tracing the specific exposures to hold corporations and employers accountable for monetary damages.
• For additional background, see our Mesothelioma Information Center.
Urgent Action Required
Mesothelioma is life-threatening and cannot be left untreated. The sooner it is diagnosed the better a patient's chances of fighting this deadly cancer. If you or someone you know shows symptoms or has a preliminary diagnosis, please contact a qualified physician immediately.
Throneberry Law Office can help connect you to medical specialists who can positively diagnose mesothelioma and provide the best treatment options and palliative care, and we aggressively pursue compensation for the family's financial burden and the victim's pain and suffering. Our principal attorney, Michael Throneberry, has personal experience with mesothelioma — his own father was taken by this cancer in 2004.
It costs nothing for us to help. We provide a free consultation and there are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. We take cases nationwide and we will come to you. Call today at 888-356-0346.
