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Iowa Mesothelioma Lawyer

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Mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue that lines the stomach, heart, lungs. This is a rare form of cancer affecting approximately 2,000-3,000 Americans every year. The tissue, mesothelium, produces the fluid that allows the internal organs to move smoothly, just as the lung does during breathing. Pleural mesothelioma, cancer of the chest cavity, is the most common type, as it affects around 75 percent of all cases. Currently, asbestos exposure is the main known cause of this cancer. In general, mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is often fatal as a result of its latency period.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma typically do not begin to feel the warning signs until the late stages of cancer. The average age of a patient is 65 years old. Symptoms can be latent for any where between 20-50 years, from exposure to the time the disease becomes apparent. It is believed that the higher amount of exposure may result in a shorter latency period. Studies have shown that the patients with high levels of asbestos and short latency periods, are from patients that were exposed through occupation exposure, especially in the insulation industry and the shipyards. Prognoses for patients are about one year after diagnoses, because the symptoms have been latent for so long.

Unfortunately, the warning signs are often wrongly associated with other more common illnesses. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of the flu, colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Therefore, many ill patients do not believe that cancer is the catalyst for their symptoms, until a doctor performs a chest x-ray, or a CT scan for an official diagnoses. Common signals are chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Dry coughs, or coughing up blood can also be warning signs. In addition, one might experience fevers, loss of appetite, and weight loss as well. Sadly, the signs of such a disease go unnoticed for so long, and then when they are apparent, they can often be mistaken for common sicknesses. Therefore leaving patients with cancer that has progressed to scary stages.

Asbestos exposure can be described as almost exclusively the cause of mesothelioma. 80 percent of all cases can be traced back to exposure at the workplace. Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was frequently used because it is resilient to heat, electrical damage, and chemical damage. Unfortunately, it wasn't until the mid-1970s that the U.S. Government decided to regulate its usage, because of the dangers associated with cancer. It is estimated that over 700,000 buildings in the United States today, still contain this toxic mineral.

There is an overwhelming amount of scientific research that suggest inhalation or ingestion of high amounts of asbestos, or exposure over a long period of time can cause mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers become lodged into the mesothelial cells, which causes scarring and cell damage in which the cancer develops. Thus the cells begin to develop uncontrollably, and tumors start to form. Also fluid builds up and membranes thicken placing stress on the internal organs. Many mesothelioma patients sadly pass away from the complications that progress as the organs are stressed, such as lung failure, and heart failure. Only ten percent of patients live five years after diagnoses. While medical advances are improving the life of mesothelioma patients, there is no known cure.

Treatments are implemented in hopes of extending the life of a mesothelioma patient, and lessening the symptoms of cancer. As with most cancer, the treatments include drug therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Although some patients have found results in alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and vitamin supplements.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, you may consider contacting an attorney to discuss your rights. As previously stated, the majority of cases were caused on the job site, and former employers may be responsible for the deterioration of your health. Everyone should be able to provide for your family by earning a living in a healthy work environment. Unfortunately, you may have been exposed to asbestos that led to your cancer. An Iowa lawyer may be able to tell you more about your rights and the damages that you are entitled to. Let a lawyer navigate the legalities while you concentrate on your health. The medical bills, loss wages, and the financial future for your family need to be considered, and taking legal action for the wrong done to you may the means. Contact an Iowa lawyer immediately.