Mesothelioma Common Questions

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Serving Maryland & all of Washington D.C.

What is the Mesothelium?
Inside our bodies, a protective membrane insulates and protects delicate organs, providing the lubrication necessary for organs to move freely without friction. This membrane is called the mesothelium. The mesothelium surrounding the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum. The membrane that covers the lungs is called the pleura. The heart’s membrane is called the pericardium. Male and female genitalia are covered by the mesothelium called the tunica vaginalis testis and the tunica serosa uteri respectively.

What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by malignant cells developing in the mesothelium. Usually, mesothelioma develops in the pleura or peritoneum, but it can also occur in the pericardium. Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers, whether inhaling the particles at work, or coming into contact with someone’s clothes, like a family member, who works with asbestos. Many law suits have developed as a result of mesothelioma. Matt Kiely can help you determine your rights if you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma.

What are the risk factors associated with mesothelioma?
By far, the greatest risk factor for contracting mesothelioma is to people who have worked with asbestos. According to the National Cancer Institute, 70% to 80% of reported mesothelioma cases had a history of asbestos exposure. However, mesothelioma is on the rise in individuals who have never been exposed to asbestos.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Due to the similarities of mesothelioma’s symptoms, it is usually difficult to diagnose. An initial health assessment is the first step. Determining that there was a history of exposure to asbestos increases the clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. Tests that are performed if mesothelioma is suspected include a physical exam, chest X-ray, lung function test, and a CAT scan or MRI.

Depending on which body cavity is suspect for mesothelioma, additional cytology tests may include a pleural test or chest drain, paracentesis or ascetic drain, or a pericardiocentesis. While a negative cytology report from any of these procedures does not rule out mesothelioma, it does make the probability less likely. In the event of a positive cytology report, a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnoses.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Because mesothelioma usually causes fluid to accumulate in the pleural space around the lungs, shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain are common symptoms. However, many people will not develop signs and symptoms for 20-50 years after exposure. Other signs and symptoms are dependant on the location of the mesothelioma and may cause pain and obstruction, anemia, and fever.

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with this cancer and you live in the Baltimore, Maryland or Washington D.C. area, please contact Mesothelioma Lawyer Matt Kiely today to learn more about mesothelioma and your rights.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, please contact the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a free initial consultation.

Learn more about our firm of Maryland Asbestos Lawyers.

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