What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. The only known cause of mesothelioma in the United States is asbestos exposure. This cancer attacks the tissue surrounding the lungs, chest, heart and abdomen, each of which is made up of mesothelial cells. Asbestos fibers lodge in the lung tissue of people exposed to asbestos and, over time, can cause cellular changes that may eventually lead to the development of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma can occur in individuals with remote and brief asbestos exposure as well as those with significant long-term exposure to asbestos, and it often develops decades after the exposure to asbestos occurs. As a result, misdiagnosis and delayed treatment are common.

At Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to advocating for asbestos victims. Our lawyers were some of the first in the country to hold manufacturers liable for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. We understand the pain you and your family are going through, and we are here to help. Together, we will stand up to asbestos manufacturers.

There Are Three Types Of Mesothelioma

There are three types of mesothelioma, each affecting different parts of the body:

• Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common form of mesothelioma and affects the pleural sac surrounding the lungs. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically include shortness of breath, fever, rasping, coughing up blood, difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma affects the membrane that supports and covers the organs of the abdomen and can result in aggressive tumors. Symptoms include stomach pain, abdominal swelling, weight loss, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite and other issues.
• Pericardial mesothelioma: This is the rarest form of mesothelioma. It occurs when asbestos fibers pass into the bloodstream and enter the membrane that surrounds and protects the heart. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pains.

While there is presently no cure for mesothelioma, treatment options are available. Depending on your diagnosis, surgery may be an option to remove tumors and slow the progression of the disease. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can help relieve symptoms and extend life expectancy.

You Have Legal Rights; We Will Help You Enforce Them

From our five South Carolina offices — Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Aiken, Columbia and Barnwell — and our office in Edwardsville, Illinois, we help individuals and their families bring legal claims that secure financial stability for their loved ones. To learn more about your legal options, call our firm at 1-866-594-8765 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

We handle mesothelioma claims on a contingency basis — you don’t pay us anything until we secure compensation for you.

Start Your Free Case Review

Give Us A Call

1-866-594-8765