Houston Mesothelioma Attorney

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleural mesothelioma); the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma); and sometimes the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Asbestos is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos has been known to cause mesothelioma since at least 1960. Mesothelioma has a very long latency period. The average latency is 40 years from first exposure to onset of disease. There are about 2,500 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, contact the Houston Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers for a free consultation.

Mesothelioma is: A benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Exposure to asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. This particular form of cancer starts in the tissue that lines different organs and spaces inside the body. This tissue, called mesothelium (mez-uh-thee-le-um), serves as a protector for organs by producing a special fluid that permits the organs to move around. For example, this is the fluid that allows the lungs to move while one is breathing. Organs that are surrounded by mesothelium are the lungs, the stomach, the heart, as well as other organs. In any of these organs, tumors have the ability to start. Tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or they can be malignant (cancerous).

The following information is about the those tumors that are in fact cancerous.

Three main types of mesotheliomas exist: The first and most common type is the pleural type (this form makes up about 50-70% of cases). Pleural mesothelioma begans in the pleura, which is the lining that surrounds the lung. About 80% of mesothelioma's are pleural.The most common symptom this form brings on is a build up of fluid around the lungs. The lungs naturally create fluid that is absorbed through out the lung. The tumor prevents the reabsorption of the fluid which caused the build up. The build up of fluid in turn causes shortness of breath. Fatigue, muscle pain and other flu like symptoms are the first symptoms of mesothelioma to appear.

The second type of this cancer is Peritoneal mesothelioma. This cancer arises in the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdomen. About 20% of mesotheliomas are peritoneal mesotheliomas. Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include swelling of the abdomen. This can become very pronounced and can actually resemble a full term pregnant individual. The swelling can be caused by a build up of fluid or tumor growth. Bowel obstruction or a blockage in the small or large intestine is another symptom.

The third type is Pericardial mesothelioma is a mesothelioma of the pericardium or lining of the heart. It is the least prevalent of the three areas where mesothelioma arises and probably accounts for less than 1%.

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