Mesothelioma is a fairly rare form of cancer that attacks the respiratory system. Over ninety percent of cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos. It wasn’t discovered until about forty years ago that it was asbestos that was causing this crippling disease, but it has now been scientifically proven.

Asbestos was mined from rock and was available in many different countries around the world. It had many uses and was used in the construction of a variety of buildings. These included churches, schools, office towers and many other buildings. Asbestos is generally not harmful until it is damaged. Once this happens, the harmful particles get into the air and then become lodged in the respiratory system. Once they have entered the body, it is impossible to get them out. It cannot be coughed out and it will progressively continue to cause damage to vital organs such as your lungs.

To date, there have been no other causes for this deadly disease. Therefore, It can reasonably be assumed that mesothelioma is caused exclusively by exposure to asbestos. This can be a very frightening disease, especially if it is left untreated for a long period of time. It is considered one of the most severe forms of cancer. The reason that the mortality rate is so high with mesothelioma is that it is a difficult thing to diagnose in its early stages. The symptoms of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure are sometimes very slight. This can include difficulty breathing and pain in the back and abdomen. Many people mistake these symptoms with the aging process and therefore do not seek medical attention. By the time that they finally do go and see the doctor, often times the disease has progressed to the point of making it difficult to treat.

Typically, you won’t be affected by mesothelioma if you were only exposed to asbestos one time. The disease is typically reserved for those who have worked in an area where asbestos was widely used. This includes a very wide spectrum of society. Welders, construction workers, pipe fitters and people who worked aboard ships are a few of the people who could have contracted mesothelioma by being exposed to asbestos. Therefore, if you have worked with asbestos in the past, the best option for you is to visit your doctor on a regular basis. He or she will be able to conduct routine tests to ensure that you don’t have mesothelioma or any other kind of asbestos related illness. If mesothelioma is caught in time, there is a much higher survival rate. However, this is rarely the case and a lot of people who are diagnosed with it end up dying from this illness.

Since the 1970’s, companies have been working to have all of the asbestos in the United States removed. However, there is some that has still not been removed. Although most cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure over 40 years ago, there are still some people today who are being exposed to it. Hopefully, in the future, the disease can be eliminated through asbestos removal.

If you or someone you know has been infected with mesothelioma, then you should consult an attorney. If you were unknowingly exposed to asbestos at work, then you have a very good case and should be able to get a good settlement. There are many law firms that specialize in this type of case. They work solely with victims of asbestos contamination so they have the experience necessary to get you the money you deserve.