Mesothelioma Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer of the lining of the lungs, stomach or heart caused by swallowing or inhaling asbestos fibers.  When mesothelioma cancer spreads the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal.  These malignant cells begin to divide and spread without order and can begin to affect organs and tissues in the immediate area.  This often leads to complications in the surrounding organs.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos exposure.  Asbestos is a mineral that occurs as a long thin fiber in the environment.  Some of the occupations that exposed workers to asbestos directly or indirectly are those involving carpentry, demolition, factory work, insulation, shipbuilding, installation of brake linings in vehicles, and many others. Despite efforts to eliminate asbestos from our environment, many public and private buildings still contain asbestos today.

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma develops at a slow rate, making it difficult for people to know when they have it. The first symptoms are often shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, cough, nausea, pain in the abdomen, or anemia.  All of these symptoms are also caused by less serious illnesses, which make it difficult to recognize the disease in its early stages.

Is there a Cure?

While there is no cure at this time, new treatments are aimed at extending both the quantity and quality of life of many mesothelioma patients.  For more detailed information on mesothelioma prognosis, see the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) discussion, and more importantly, ask your doctor who knows your individual medical situation.

The NCI states that although reported incidence rates of mesothelioma have increased in the past twenty years, it is still a relatively rare cancer.  About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year.  Though mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, it can appear in either men or women at any age.  Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma.  A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in most cases.

How is Mesothelioma Treated?

The treatment options for mesothelioma depend on many factors, including:  where the cancer is, the stage of the cancer, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer cells look under the microscope, and the patient's age and desires.  Mesothelioma is more treatable when diagnosed early.  Treatment options include tri-modality therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials, gene therapy, pain control and management, and other treatments.

How Can I Get Financial Assistance

If you have questions about financial assistance, see our web page on that topic.  While this information is written for cancer patients, much of the information is helpful for patients of any kind.

What is My Prognosis?

Your doctor is in the best position to estimate your individual prognosis since prognosis depends on many factors.

Who Can Help?

The law firm of Paul & Hanley, LLP has offices located throughout California, including Berkeley, Westlake Village (Los Angeles), San Francisco, and San Diego.  Our lawyers handle mesothelioma cases in courts throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and across the United States.  To learn more about mesothelioma, treatment options, or the attorneys at Paul & Hanley who specialize in handling malignant mesothelioma asbestos cancer, please contact us today for a free confidential consultation.  For immediate assistance call toll free(800) 933-2244.