What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that arises in the mesothelium that surrounds the abdomen, lungs, or heart.  The mesothelium is made up of parietal and visceral membranes, which are thin layers of tissue that surround organs and body cavities.  The visceral membrane surrounds the organ, and the parietal membrane is a sac that covers the visceral membrane.  Together the visceral and parietal membranes make up the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is referred to by different names depending on what part of the body it is found in.  In the abdomen, it is called peritoneal mesothelioma; in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma; and in the heart, it is called pericardial mesothelioma.

California Malignant Cancer Attorneys

Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.  The National Cancer Institute reports 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.  Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but it can appear in either men or women at any age.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos.  Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven.  Asbestos has been widely used in a variety of industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, insulation, and a variety of other products.  Tiny asbestos particles float in the air, are inhaled or swallowed, and cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.  In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos also increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis, and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Contact Us Today For a Free Confidential Consultation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer, you may be entitled to compensation.  The law firm of Paul & Hanley, LLP (800-933-2244) has an outstanding track record of success in cases across the country.  Our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  We are dedicated to providing aggressive and professional legal services for mesothelioma victims and their families.  We have offices located throughout California, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, Westlake Village (Los Angeles county), San Francisco, and San Diego.  Our malignant mesothelioma cancer attorneys handle cases in courts throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and across the United States.  We are dedicated to providing aggressive and professional legal services for mesothelioma victims and their families.  To learn more about mesothelioma and the California malignant mesothelioma cancer attorneys at Paul & Hanley, please contact us today for a free confidential consultation.  For immediate assistance call us toll free at (800) 933-2244.