Many people in Pennsylvania are unfamiliar with the characteristics of mesothelioma as it is a frequently misunderstood disease. If you have symptoms of the disease, they are often misdiagnosed as another illness because cases are so rare. Here is what you should know about mesothelioma.
How do you get mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma results from exposure to asbestos. People inhale the dust from the substance that permeates the air. It then goes into the lining of their lungs where it becomes a carcinogen. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining over your body’s tissue.
There are several different types of mesothelioma. The most common form of the disease is pleural mesothelioma. This is the type that attacks the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma can affect the abdomen, heart and testicles.
Why the disease is so deadly
One of the difficulties related to mesothelioma is that the asbestos has been inside the body for decades. The tumor has had time to take root, and it is nearly impossible to reverse once the cancer is detected. Much of mesothelioma care is aimed at prolonging the life of the person who is suffering from it and giving them a better quality of life. It is considered to be an incurable disease, and the lifespan of the person who is diagnosed with the disease often does not exceed a year.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The damages might be high given that a mesothelioma lawsuit almost always involves wrongful death damages. Defendants may try to settle the mesothelioma case because there is a long track record of plaintiffs prevailing in front of a jury. With that in mind, you may want to seek the services of a mesothelioma attorney to help you seek the highest possible compensation.