Mesothelioma Prognosis: The Bad, The Good And The Ugly | Shrader Law
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Mesothelioma Prognosis – The Bad

Patients with a mesothelioma prognosis know their time is limited. Because of their exposure to asbestos their lives will take a dramatic turn. Asbestos is a mineral that was used because of its properties to resist heat and fire. This made it a good material for use in high temperatures like boiler rooms or in products that would be subjected to high temperatures. It was also used because of its durability and resistance to chemical wear. Because of this, it was originally thought to be an ideal insulator. It was used everywhere including schools, churches, and office buildings. It was also used on ships in the Navy for the US military. Unfortunately, it causes very serious diseases like mesothelioma which are typically fatal.

Mesothelioma Prognosis – The Good

Believe it or not, asbestos is usually not harmful unless it is disturbed and some homes and buildings in the United States still have it as insulation installed and it creates no direct problems. However, if remodeling is done to update these homes or buildings, the fibers are released into the air and create a health risk. The particles can be inhaled and this leads to them becoming lodged in the lungs. Protective hazard suits can be worn and should be worn to remove asbestos from aging buildings and homes. These suits should come with a proper breathing apparatus and industrial goggles so no fibers are inhaled or enter the body in any way.

Victims of mesothelioma cancer are suing the companies and manufacturers that used asbestos and knowingly infected thousands of employees. Winning cases and settlements have been known to garner millions of dollars for the victims. Trust funds have also been set up by since defunct companies to handle such cases if they are brought forth. If a victim of mesothelioma finds a quality law firm with a record of winning hundreds of asbestos-related cases, they too have the opportunity to recoup compensation for their exposure as well.

Mesothelioma Prognosis – The Ugly

Once asbestos fibers settle in the lungs, they can cause damage to the sensitive tissues. Because they become lodged in the pleura – the small body cavity that sits between the lungs and the rib cage, they irritate the tissue causing fluids and mucous to develop in the mesothelium. Another asbestos-related illness – asbestosis – creates changes in the tissue that cause the cells to divide uncontrollably. This creates a tumor and if cells in the tumor are cancerous, the patient is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma.

Ninety percent of mesothelioma diagnoses are attributed to asbestos exposure. The other ten percent is not attributed to this type of exposure only because a direct link to exposure cannot be proven. Malignant mesothelioma prognosis is never good – it is the most severe form of asbestos-related illnesses. It has the highest mortality rate of any of the other diseases including asbestosis.