Mesothelioma Information

The law firm of Lewis & Scholnick specializes in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits based on asbestos exposure: Each year more than 3,000 people will die from mesothelioma, a disease that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a known toxin, is an extremely dangerous material and even low levels of exposure can trigger mesothelioma. Scientists have known about asbestos's carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties since the 1930's but irresponsible companies continued to use asbestos, which was a cheap insulator and fireproofing material. These corporations have put workers and their families at risk for decades. We have provided the following mesothelioma information for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma cancer is the most serious of all the asbestos-related diseases. This type of cancer is where the malignant cells are found in the sac lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma are attributable to asbestos exposure.

In the early stages the cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity near the lungs andheart or in the diaphragm or the lung. As it progresses it spreads beyond the lining of the chest to the lymph nodes in the chest and may continue into the chest wall, and heart, through the diaphragm, or abdominal lining, into nearby lymph nodes. Eventually it may spread to distant organs or tissues.

If you or your family members have been exposed to asbestos on the job, in your neighborhood, or in the home, it can take as many as 20 to 40 years before asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma become symptomatic. Family members of workers who may have carried asbestos materials home on their clothing are also at risk. Early detection is important for the treatment of this type of cancer.