Mesothelioma: Beware the Dangers of Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the thin tissue layer coating many of your organs. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 2,000-3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.


There are three types of mesothelioma cancer. Each is classified based on where it occurs in your body:

· Pleural malignant mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around your lungs. It is the most common form of the disease.

· Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue around your abdomen.
· Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around your heart.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma…

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the region of your body affected by the cancer. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

· Shortness of breath

· Painful breathing

· Painful coughing

· Chest pain near the rib cage

· Lumps of tissue under your chest skin

· Weight loss

· Dry cough

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:



· Abdominal pain

· Abdominal swelling

· Change in bowel habits (frequent diarrhea or constipation)

· Lumps of tissue in abdomen

· Weight loss

· Nausea

· Vomiting

Causes of Mesothelioma


The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a harmful fiber used as insulation. People who have a high exposure to asbestos are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. This exposure most commonly occurs in the workplace. Frequently, blue collar jobs in mines, ship yards, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and railway facilities place people at greatest risk of asbestos exposure.



If asbestos dust is breathed or swallowed, the fibers can settle in your lungs or stomach, resulting in an irritation that ultimately causes mesothelioma. People with very high levels of exposure to asbestos are at greater risk of contracting mesothelioma than people with lower levels of exposure. It can take as long as 30 to 40 years for the disease to develop.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Over the years, many lawsuits have been filed and won on behalf of people exposed to asbestos at work. If you have been diagnosed with this rare cancer, you should consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney at once to see if you have a valid claim.

It is important to choose an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma claims. This is a highly complex area of the law, and you should not trust your case to someone lacking the proper experience. Several factors complicate many of these claims, including:

· The long delay between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma

· The widespread use of asbestos in many common products

· The ability to develop mesothelioma from second-hand exposure to asbestos

These factors can often make it difficult to prove precisely where you were exposed to this dangerous fiber. You will need a lawyer who can skillfully work with these factors and still help you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are most likely looking at a lifetime of pain, medical expenses, and lost earning capacity. You should be compensated for your injuries. Why trust your mesothelioma claim to someone who is not an expert?

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Join ADAO in lighting a candle in memory of those lost to mesothelioma

Organization (ADAO) will continue a longstanding tradition of lighting a candle in memory of those loved ones lost to mesothelioma. This is actually the first of two candlelighting ceremonies. The second will be held Monday, January 4, 2010, in honor of all the mesothelioma “warriors” still battling and conquering this devastating disease….



You are invited to add the name of your loved one to ADAO’s master list, either in memory or in honor of someone you love. This project is conducted in conjunction with the Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR). View the list, or email acor@AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org to add a name to the list.


Linda Reinstein, ADAO’s co-founder, says, “Since founding ADAO in March 2004, thanks to the efforts for our all-volunteer organization, we have grown beyond our initial expectations. Our passion and commitment to preventing asbestos exposure, offering support and resources and remaining unwaveringly committed to banning asbestos and funding research for a cure has gained momentum and recognition on The Hill. You have been heard! Thank you for your continued supTags: asbestos, mesotheliomaport of ADAO, ‘the voice of the victims,’ as together, change is possible.”

Please join the mesothelioma community on Monday and light your candle in memory of those whose battle has sadly ended, and make plans to celebrate the life of a meso warrior on January 4.