Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that stands out for its rarity, aggressiveness, and because it has only one known cause: asbestos exposure. It affects four areas of the body:
No matter where it develops in the body, the prognosis for patients is generally dim. One major reason for the poor prognosis is the fact that mesothelioma can lay dormant in your body for a period of 10 to 50 years. By the time symptoms emerge, it is often too late.
However, if caught early, mesothelioma can be treated to slow its progression, similar to other types of cancers. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these options.
Exposure to asbestos is the only confirmed cause of mesothelioma. Many patients were exposed through their jobs, with particularly vulnerable occupations including construction work, U.S. Navy service, mining, and a variety of other jobs. Asbestos was used extensively throughout the U.S. until the late 1970s in household insulation, commercial construction, and even plastics and cloth. It became popular because of its heat resistant properties and its ability to add strength. In other words, on-the-job exposure is not the only possible cause.
Read about more details on the causes of mesothelioma.
If your doctor believes you may have mesothelioma, several tests and procedures will be performed to confirm. A biopsy is the only way to 100 percent confirm the diagnosis.
If confirmed by biopsy, your medical team will classify the cancer into one of four stages. Patients diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 cancer have the most treatment options available and therefore the best prognosis. Patients diagnosed with Stage 3 or 4 cancer have more limited options. These late stages are common with mesothelioma because it is so hard to detect early.
Ted B. Lyon & Associates, based in Dallas, is a leading law firm in the area of mesothelioma lawsuits. If you have the disease, you may be entitled to compensation, but it will take strong legal representation to get it. That’s what we offer here.
To speak to a Texas lawyer about your condition and a potential mesothelioma claim, please call 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or contact us online. Your initial consultation is free and there is no obligation to retain our services.
