Florida Asbestos Lawyers
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and usually fatal type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It is characterized by extreme pain. Most victims live less than 18 months after diagnosis, because it is typically diagnosed in the final stages. Those who are diagnosed very early, however, may exceed a five year survival. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or if you have lost a loved one to this devastating cancer, please talk to a Florida asbestos lawyer right away.
“Asbestos Lung Cancer”
Mesothelioma is sometimes referred to as “asbestos lung cancer” because the majority of cases affect the lung area. However, mesothelioma is a different type of cancer and it can originate in other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the protective membrane surrounding your internal organs:
- The pleura is the lining of the lungs
- The pericardium is the sac around the heart
- The peritoneum lines the abdomen and surrounds the abdominal organs
Mesothelioma can develop in any of the above.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Unlike most types of cancer which can be caused by many different things, it is known and accepted that mesothelioma is the result of asbestos exposure. There are a few other possible causes, but they are extremely rare. So rare, in fact, that the courts consider a mesothelioma diagnosis to be proof of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos typically gets into the body through inhalation, but is may also be ingested. The fibers are tiny and sharp, and your immune system cannot break them down and remove them as it does with most foreign objects. When these fibers become lodged in the mesothelium they cause irritation and inflammation and gradually lead to the formation of abnormal cells (cancer).
The Importance of Mesothelioma Screening
It typically takes 20 years or more for mesothelioma symptoms to develop after asbestos exposure. In the early stages there may be no symptoms or they may seem to be symptoms of other, less serious illnesses. However, when mesothelioma is detected in the early stages it can sometimes be treated successfully.
If you have a history of asbestos exposure, talk to your doctor about mesothelioma screening, even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by asbestos exposure in Florida, please call the Florida asbestos lawyers of Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our asbestos lawyers is free, and if we agree to represent you, we will work for a contingent fee, which means we won’t get paid for our services unless you receive a settlement or an award. In Florida, an asbestos injury lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.