In the United States, it is estimated that roughly 3,000 patients will be diagnosed with mesothelioma this year — a representation of about 3 percent of all cancers.
Medical science continues its search for treatment options, but currently the cancer is classified as terminal as it has no known cure. Diagnosis is not usually given until roughly 30 to 40 years after initial exposure. This delayed diagnosis can make it difficult for a victim to link the cancer to the asbestos exposure that probably caused it decades earlier.
There are a number of stories regarding mesothelioma that provide a sense of inspiration and hope. But a Boston mesothelioma attorney should be contacted immediately if you or a loved one is diagnosed with this terrible disease as advances in treatment still only allow an estimated survival time of about one year. The news can be devastating to family member and with the help from an experienced attorney, you can fight to secure your family’s financial well-being.
Depending on the type of mesothelioma that a doctor diagnoses, treatment may be an option. There are four different types of malignant mesothelioma.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart. This lining is referred to as the pericardium. This type of mesothelioma accounts for about 5 percent of all new cases. Symptoms pertaining to this diagnosis include heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, night sweats and difficulty breathing.
Testicular Mesothelioma: This is the rarest form of mesothelioma. It develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles. Symptoms of this form of mesothelioma include painful and painless testicular lumps.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This diagnosis makes up approximately 20 percent of mesothelioma cases. This cancer develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, or the peritoneal membrane. Symptoms of this form include weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, selling and bowel obstruction.
Pleural Mesothelioma: This form of the cancer develops in the lining of the lung, also known as the pleura. This is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma as it makes up about 75 percent of all new cases. Some of the symptoms can include shortness of breath, lumps under the skin, chest pain and persistent cough.
Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers provide comprehensive representation to mesothelioma victims in Boston and the surrounding areas. Call (617) 777-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.