Mesothelioma - An Insidious Killer

Mesothelioma might not be the most common cancer in today’s world. Others, such as lung and breast cancer, inflict many others, and often command the front pages of health publications because of that. However, for the victims and families of victims suffering from mesothelioma, its rarity is hardly any consolation. Indeed, it’s a ruthless and rapid killer for which there are few treatments and no cure. And for that, it certainly deserves our attention.

A common layman’s term for mesothelioma is “asbestos cancer.” This is due to the fact that the vast majority of cases of the cancer are indeed caused by asbestos exposure. (For a brief comparison, mesothelioma has a natural occurrence rate of only 1 in 1,000,000, whereas that number has risen to as high as 40 in a million in some countries where asbestos use has been heaviest.) Asbestos was commonly used in the construction industry because of its excellent fire retardant and insulating properties. Workers using it often inhale asbestos fibers, which cannot be broken down by the body.

Mesothelioma symptoms can take from 10 to 50 years to manifest themselves. The disease attacks the linings of organs in the body and moves very rapidly. The life expectancy of patients newly diagnosed with the cancer can last mere months. Early detection, however, can add years to a victim’s prognosis.

If you are diagnosed with this devastating disease due to exposure to asbestos fibers, it might be a good idea to get in contact with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. They will be able to counsel you on the varying courses of action to take, which include pursuing a settlement or other legal action against the organization under whose employ you came into contact with asbestos.

Securing a settlement should always be in experienced hands. Should you decide to go this route, make sure the law firm you contact has both experience and a strong record when dealing with mesothelioma-related cases. Nothing can make up for the tragedy of cancer affliction, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive in securing an award.

Share this post