Asbestos Exposure / Mesothelioma Questions & Answers
- What is Mesothelioma?
- What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?
- What are the different tyes of Mesothelioma?
- Who is at risk for a malignant Mesothelioma?
- What are some of the occupations most at risk for asbestos exposure?
- What are the types of materials / products containing asbestos?
- What are the types of treatment?
What is Mesothelioma?
It is a rare cancer that has been conclusively linked to asbestos exposure. The latent period between exposure and the onset of symptoms can be 20-40 years. Men are mostly affected by Mesothelioma. Women can be affected either directly or indirectly. Symptoms usually begin to appear later in life.
[ BACK TO TOP ]
What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The onset of mesothelioma symptoms is usually very slow, and may not appear until 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos.
- Shortness of Breath
- Wheezing
- Chest Pain
- Weight Loss
- Coughing Up Blood
| Symptom | % exhibiting |
|---|---|
| Shortness of breath and/or chest pain | 90% |
| Weight loss | 29% |
| Cough, weakness, fever, loss of appetite | 3% |
| Hemoptysis (coughing up blood), hoarseness, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). | less than 1% |
| Pleural Effusions | 84% |
| Asymptomatic | 3% |
(source: "Diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in Ontario and Quebec: a retrospective study of 332 patients." P Ruffie et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology Aug 1 1989: 1157-1168.)
[ BACK TO TOP ]
What are the different tyes of Mesothelioma?
- Pleural Mesothelioma
is a concer that affects the pleura, or lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs. This is believed to be caused by inhalation of asbestos containing materials. Most cases are pleural in nature. - Peritoneal Mesothelioma
is a cancer of the membrane surrounding the abdomen infiltrating the liver, spleen or bowel. Due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, the abdomen appears enlarged. Patients have nausea, vomiting, swelling of feet, and difficulty in moving their bowels.
[ BACK TO TOP ]
Who is at risk for a malignant Mesothelioma?
Asbestos workers and people exposed to asbestos.
The Environmental Protection Agency has figures to show that as many as 733,000 schools and public buildings in the country today contain asbestos insulation.
People whose work may be a risk are some miners, factory workers, insulation manufactures, railroad workers, ship builders, gas mask manufacturers and construction workers.
[ BACK TO TOP ]
What are some of the occupations most at risk for asbestos exposure?
- Construction workers handling or installing insulation.
- Miners
- Auto Mechanics
- Roofers
- Factory Workers
- Electricians
- Ship builders
- Railroad workers
- Gas mask manufacturers
[ BACK TO TOP ]
What are the types of materials / products containing asbestos?
The following is a general list provided by the Environmental Protection Agency intended to show the types of materials containing asbestos. It does not include all products containing asbestos.
- Cement Pipes
- Elevator Brake Shoes
- Cement Wallboard
- HVAC Duct Insulation
- Cement Siding
- Boiler Insulation
- Asphalt Floor Tile
- Breaching Insulation
- Vinyl Floor Tile
- Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections
- Vinyl Sheet Flooring
- Cooling Towers
- Flooring Backing
- Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.)
- Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.)
- Heating and Electrical Ducts
- Acoustical Plaster
- Electrical Panel Partitions
- Decorative Plaster
- Electrical Cloth
- Textured Paints/Coatings
- Electric Wiring Insulation
- Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels
- Chalkboards
- Spray-Applied Insulation
- Roofing Shingles
- Blown-in Insulation
- Roofing Felt
- Fireproofing Materials
- Base Flashing
- Taping Compounds (thermal)
- Thermal Paper Products
- Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)
- Fire Doors
- High Temperature Gaskets
- Caulking/Putties
- Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops
- Adhesives
- Laboratory Gloves
- Wallboard
- Fire Blankets
- Joint Compounds
- Fire Curtains
- Vinyl Wall Coverings
- Elevator Equipment Panels
- Spackling Compounds
[ BACK TO TOP ]
What are the types of treatment?
While there is currently no known cure for malignant mesothelioma, treatments are available with the most common being surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Your doctor will recommend one treatment or a combination of therapies that are best for your situation.
Surgery is a common treatment of malignant Mesothelioma. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, a lung may be removed. Sometimes part of the diaphragm will be removed.
Chemothereapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be taken by pill or put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
[ BACK TO TOP ]
If you worked in a high-risk industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or you have lost someone to an asbestos-related illness, it is your right to seek compensation from those responsible for your situation. The experienced mesothelioma lawyers of Munley, Munley & Cartwright can successfully represent your family against the giant asbestos companies. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 1-800-318-LAW1
At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through team work and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your legal concerns, contact us today for a free consultation or call us toll free at 1-800-318-LAW1.
