Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The disease might have been preventable had the asbestos industry acted responsibly decades ago to protect the public from the dangers of exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately for the estimated 3,000 Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, the asbestos industry hid the dangers of asbestos from the public for decades after it knew of the risks. Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon, but no longer rare, cancer that is difficult to diagnose and poorly responsive to therapy. This type of mesothelioma is the deadliest form of this often times untreatable disease.

A layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells lines the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium, hence the name mesothelioma. The mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around. This fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura and the mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. The mesothelium of the pericardial cavity is called the pericardium. Mesothelioma diagnosis in the United States remains very low, with 14 cases occurring per million people per year.

Males are more likely to be diagnosed with this disease being involved in occupational asbestos exposure from 1970 to 1984. About three-fourths of all reported mesothelioma cases start in the chest cavity and are known as pleural mesothelioma. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen and is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, starting in the cavity around the heart, is very rare but still growing in reported cases. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please contact the Law Office of Maune Raichle. We may be able to help you.

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