Mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust, particles, and fibers. Mesothelioma can lie dormant for up to 50 years before symptoms appear.

Although the greatest incident of mesothelioma occurs in workers exposed to asbestos, others may be exposed outside their workplace.  Mesothelioma has been found in individuals who were exposed to asbestos during a remodeling project in an older home. Asbestos was often used as insulation in older homes. Remodeling projects can shake loose asbestos fibers and dust causing them to become airborne where they can be inhaled.

What Happens When These Fibers Enter Your Lungs?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs. The fibers interact with the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, which allows formation of mesothelioma cells. This appears to happen when asbestos fibers wrap around the chromosomes causing mutation. The mutation can be in the form of immunosuppressive disorders such as stopping white blood cells from killing tumor cells. The mutation caused by the mesothelioma cells can also allow foreign DNA to enter the cells. This introduction of foreign DNA causes cells to have only one chromosome where two should be present - a gene abnormality. This abnormality allows the formation of tumors.

Mesothelioma can also be found in the abdominal cavity.  The same type of membrane that protects the lungs is present in the abdominal cavity, and it is this membrane that mesothelioma attacks. Mesothelioma in the abdominal cavity is not as common as mesothelioma in the chest, but it does occur.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have Mesothelioma?

The first thing you should do if you think you have symptoms of mesothelioma is seek medical attention. Mesothelioma is a serious illness and immediate medical care is required. You should also contact a mesothelioma lawyer to discuss compensation for your medical care and injury. Mesothelioma can lie dormant for so many years that it can be difficult to determine how the exposure occurred. Our mesothelioma lawyers can trace your work and personal history to find the source. Mesothelioma is a life altering illness requiring expensive medical treatment. You should know your rights and get help so that you or your loved one can get the best medical care available for mesothelioma.

For a free consultation with one of our mesothelioma lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP, fill out the FREE case review form at the right. Or, call us at (866)222-2606. We take cases on a contingency basis only.