Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which has only one known major cause. That cause is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelium is the membrane that covers many of our internal organs and protects them. When Mesothelioma is contracted, the membrane can become abnormal and the cells that make it up can divide unusually and without control. The symptoms generally do not appear for twenty to fifty years after asbestos exposure. This late term display of symptoms means most cases are not diagnosed until it has reached the stage when it is difficult if not impossible to slow the progression of the disease. The usual symptoms can be deceptive as they mimic bronchitis, heart disease, pneumonia and flu. As the medical community becomes more aware of mesothelioma and its connection to asbestos exposure there are tests being developed for earlier stage diagnosis that may eventually catch the disease when treatment options may be more helpful.

There are several different types of mesothelioma called peritoneal, pericardial and pleural. The symptoms vary for each form but all generally include difficulty breathing, fatigue and may include abdominal or chest pain. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos you should inform your doctor so that proper testing may occur. If you built homes in the past and installed insulation before there was fiberglass insulation chances are you have had some exposure. This is but one example of potential exposure. While this cancer is rare, it is on the increase. Asbestos exposure is also responsible for increased chances of lung, larynx and kidney cancer.

If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos in your lifetime it is important you explore your legal options. There is some responsibility on the part of the manufacturers and employers who may have known the hazards and continued to use the product since it was cheap, readily available and easy to use. There are many attorneys and firms that are currently representing Mesothelioma patients to recover medical costs, pain and suffering and punitive awards. You may be able to join a class action suit against particular companies and find some support for your illness. It is most important that you know your rights if you had exposure to asbestos and to inform your physician if there is even a chance you were exposed in the last fifty years. The sooner they know, the sooner they can monitor your health and your chances may increase to catch it early.