由 home-healthhaven 
### What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a highly deadly form of cancer, often prompting affected individuals and their families to seek legal action against those responsible for their exposure. This cancer affects the mesothelium, the tissue lining various internal organs like the lungs, heart, abdomen, and testicles. The mesothelium produces a fluid that allows these organs to move smoothly. For instance, it helps the lungs expand and contract during breathing. When the mesothelium is damaged, the organ it lines stops functioning properly, leading to death in most cases.
### What causes mesothelioma?
Cancer starts when cells or tissues grow abnormally, but the triggers for this abnormal growth remain unknown for many types of cancer. However, when it comes to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is a well-known risk factor.
Some research suggests that even prolonged exposure to asbestos might not cause mesothelioma, while other studies argue the opposite. Nevertheless, both sides agree that asbestos fibers can lead to this type of cancer. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with unique properties that were highly valued before its dangers were known. It was widely used in building materials and other industries for its resistance to heat and chemicals. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers are microscopic and can become airborne during mining or manufacturing processes, getting inhaled and causing damage to the mesothelium, leading to cancer.
### Mesothelioma types
Although mesothelioma is rare, with about 3,000 new cases yearly, several types exist. The most common is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lungs. There’s also peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen, as well as less common forms like pericardial (heart) and tunica vaginalis (testicles) mesothelioma.
### Mesothelioma symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma (lungs) symptoms include:
– Swelling of the face and arms
– Hoarseness
– Difficulty swallowing
– Weight loss
– Fatigue
– Sweating
– Fever
– Cough
– Shortness of breath
– Pain in the lower back or chest
Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen) symptoms include:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Weight loss
– Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
– Abdominal pain
### Who is at risk?
People in specific professions are more susceptible to developing mesothelioma, such as:
– Welders
– Shipbuilders
– Roofers
– Railroad workers
– Plumbers
– Plasterers
– Pipefitters
– Painters
– Navy personnel
– Miners
– Millwrights
– Merchant marine seamen
– Mason laborers
– Janitors
– Insulators
– Inspectors
– Foundry workers
– Firefighters
– Electricians
– Drywall tapers
– Construction workers
– Cement finishers
– Carpenters
– Bulldozer operators
– Brake mechanics
– Blacksmiths
– Auto mechanics
### Demographics and survival rates
Mesothelioma is more common in men than women and is seen more frequently in Latinos/Hispanics and whites than in African Americans and Asian Americans. The cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, making surgical treatment difficult. The average survival time for mesothelioma patients ranges from 4 to 18 months, but about 5% to 10% may live at least five years post-diagnosis, especially if diagnosed early and if the patient is young.
### What does a mesothelioma attorney do?
Given the high mortality rate of mesothelioma, patients and their families often sue those responsible for asbestos exposure, including manufacturers or employers. Most cases are settled out of court if it is proven that asbestos exposure caused the disease. Mesothelioma attorneys prepare these cases thoroughly, examining the client’s personal and medical history as medical records play a crucial role. They might even file the case in jurisdictions favorable to the plaintiff. Consulting a mesothelioma attorney helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case, as many settlements come from mesothelioma claims funds set up by asbestos manufacturers.