Questions about Mesothelioma
Mobile, Alabama
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It attacks the lining around your internal organs called the mesothelium. There are three types:
- Pleural - the most common type of mesothelioma, affects the lining of the lungs
- Peritoneal - affects the abdomen
- Pericardial - affects the membrane around the heart
Is Mesothelioma fatal?
Yes. Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are told they have less than a year to live. Early detection and treatment by mesothelioma specialists can greatly improve your odds. Five year survival rates are increasing.
Is there a cure?
No. When Mesothelioma is detected early your chances of living longer are increased. In a few, rare cases, with early treatment surgery can remove most of the cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is very painful, and pain management typically makes up a large portion of treatment.
Is Mesothelioma contagious?
No, you cannot transmit the disease to someone else. Anyone who lived with you when you were exposed to asbestos could have been exposed to the asbestos brought home in your clothing, meaning they may also have mesothelioma and should be tested.
Who can get Mesothelioma?
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. It has been theorized that just one asbestos fiber inhaled, can lead to mesothelioma. There are thousands of products containing asbestos, many of which we have in our homes today. People who work with asbestos and products that contain asbestos are at the highest risk. About 70% to 80% of mesothelioma is caused by exposure in the workplace. High risk jobs and industries include:
- Appliance manufacturing
- Asbestos manufacturing
- Asbestos removal
- Automotive manufacturing and repair
- Construction
- Demolition
- Mining
- Oil refineries
- Power plants
- Shipyards
- Steel mills
- Rail roads
It has been years since I worked around asbestos, and I haven't had any symptoms until now. Could I have Mesothelioma?
Yes, it normally takes at least 10 years after asbestos exposure to develop mesothelioma symptoms and can take up to 50 years. Once the symptoms start, the disease progresses rapidly.
Does Asbestos Exposure cause any other illnesses?
Yes. Asbestos exposure can cause:
- Asbestosis
- Asbestos pleural disease
- Heart failure
- Kidney cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Lung cancer
- Other cancers
I am a smoker. Is that why I developed Mesothelioma? Does it make me ineligible for compensation?
Absolutely not. Smoking does not cause Mesothelioma or asbestosis. Both are caused by asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is not lung cancer, it is cancer of the lining around the lungs. Smoking does increase your risk of developing lung cancer, but lung cancer can be caused by asbestos exposure alone. Smokers have the same right to compensation for their injuries as non-smokers in asbestos related illness cases.
If you believe that you've become ill because of asbestos exposure in the workplace, call or email our Personal Injury Attorneys in Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama today for your free consultation, and ask how we can help you get the compensation you need.
Contact our personal injury attorneys in Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama today!
Types of Mesothelioma
Products Containing Asbestos
Detecting and Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Support