Malignant mesothelioma
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Nearly all cases of mesothelioma are malignant, or cancer causing. In fact, those that were previously defined as benign have been reclassified by most medical professionals under a different and distinct name. Each year, between two and three thousand cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually.
Types of malignant mesothelioma
In general, there are three types of malignant mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. Some people consider a fourth type, testicular mesothelioma, but the occurrence of this form is so rare that it is frequently excluded from discussion of mesothelioma in general.
- Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, the lining surrounding the lungs, and the cavity surrounding the lungs; this is the most common form accounting for approximately 75% of total mesothelioma cases
- Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdomen, the lining of the abdomen and cavity surrounding the abdomen; the second most common type of mesothelioma, this type accounts for ten to twenty percent of total cases
- Pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart, tissue surrounding the heart, and the heart cavity
Malignant mesothelioma treatment
Each type of malignant mesothelioma is deadly. Three common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, these treatments are more successful on patients who are diagnosed earlier, and that is rarely the case for mesothelioma patients.
Causes of mesothelioma
There is only one prove cause of malignant (cancer causing) melanoma: ongoing exposure to asbestos. However, most patients do not show symptoms of the diseases until twenty to even fifty years after their initial exposure. For this reason, the disease is often untreated for a significant amount of time, resulting in lower survival rates.
Legal recourse
Fortunately, there is a strong precedent for legal recourse for patients who suffer from this traumatic and fatal disease, as well as for the loved ones of those suffering. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or suspects that they may have malignant mesothelioma, seek medical treatment immediately.
The mesothelioma attorneys at the New Orleans law firm of Landry & Swarr have extensive experience with toxic torts such as mesothelioma cases. We provide the customer service level to ensure that you and your loved ones get the attention needed.
Legal Help From Landry & Swarr
Malignant mesothelioma can be a frightening and daunting diagnosis. If you have, or suspect that you have, this painful and often fatal disease caused by asbestos exposure, contact Lawry today for the best in legal advice at this difficult time.