South Carolina Mesothelioma Lawyer

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Mesothelioma is a rare but extremely aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the lining of the body\'s internal organs, more specifically in a thin layer of cells known as the mesothelium. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of the three forms, and affects the pleural lining of the lungs. Approximately 2,000-3,000 new cases are diagnosed every year; however, it is becoming more common over time. This may be attributed to the latency period of 20 to 50 years, therefore people live many years before realizing that they indeed have a form of cancer.

Warning signs of mesothelioma are similar to many common sicknesses, like the flu, viral pneumonia, bronchitis, and heart disease. Some symptoms may be a dry cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, a chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath, to name a few. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, but it can also occur within the chest, abdomen, or heart. It is a hard type of cancer to diagnose, because in the beginning it takes on the properties of other types of cancers. Oftentimes, individuals do not receive the proper type of treatment, because they unknowingly have cancer. It is believed that the survival rate for mesothelioma is so low because it usually is not diagnosed until the cancer has reached advanced stages in development.

Since mesothelioma isn't typically diagnosed until the latest stages of the disease, the average survival rate is one year after diagnoses. Unfortunately, this type of cancer usually only has a 10 percent survival rate for those still alive five years after being diagnosed. Although the outlook for mesothelioma patients is better today than in the past, it is still considered a very serious form of cancer that needs to be treated immediately.

When considering treatments, many factors must be considered, such as how far the cancer has developed, the size of the tumor, the location of the tumor and the amount of fluid found in the chest cavity. Perhaps most importantly, it is essential to recognize the age and overall physical health of the patient. Each and every case has unique characteristics that requires thoughtful consideration. The options are similar to most forms of cancer, like chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor, drug therapy, and possibly removing some portion of the lung. In addition, alternative therapies, acupuncture, massage, and vitamin treatments are sometimes suggested. Typically a combination of treatments often works best, but a cure is still unknown.

As with most forms of cancer, mesothelioma may also be traced to some main causes. The most common being exposure to asbestos. Throughout the early 20th century, asbestos was frequently used in construction because its resistant to heat, fire, low conductivity of electricity. It is believed that most asbestos exposure was in fact an occupational cause. Workers who were placed at the highest risk for asbestos exposure were those employed at mines, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, factories, railroad facilities, the railroad, and shipyards. Other types of workers who may have handled asbestos products are roofers, masons, sawyers, plumbers, and carpenters. Asbestos was banned in the United States around the mid-1970s. Still, it can be found in 700,000 buildings nationwide.

Once asbestos is inhaled through the mouth or nose, the fibers enter the body and embed themselves within the cavities of the lungs. Not only are workers placed at risk who handled asbestos, but also people in the direct vicinity where asbestos fibers were circulating in the air. The human body is unable to process or break down a substance like asbestos. This is why asbestos is a poison to the body and remains within the body decades after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma can develops as a result of the inhalation or ingesting of asbestos.

If you are suffering from some of the common warning signs, and you have been exposed to asbestos, it might be in your best interest to contact a South Carolina attorney immediately. Medical bills can quickly accumulate, and you need to consider the future of your family. It is critical for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos to contact an attorney. An attorney can assist you through this difficult time and give you the information that you need. If you are a resident of the state of Texas and have been exposed to asbestos because of an occupational hazard, please do not hesitate to contact a lawyer. A lawyer will be able to discuss your rights and options with you.

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