Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer with a poor survival rate. However, the earlier it is detected, the more effective treatment will potentially be. The first signs of mesothelioma are usually chest pain and difficulty breathing. X-rays often reveal fluid accumulation in the lungs, called “pleural effusion.”
The main stages of mesothelioma are:
- Stage I – In stage IA, cancer is located in the lining of the chest wall, the lining of the chest cavity between the lungs, and/or the lining covering your diaphragm. If cancer has also spread to the lining that covers the lung, this is considered stage IB.
- Stage II – Cancer has spread into the diaphragm muscle and/or the lung itself.
- Stage III – Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (where your lungs join the bronchus), between the lungs and diaphragm, along the trachea and esophagus, or below the trachea.
- Stage IV – Cancer cannot be removed surgically, and has spread to the lymph nodes anywhere in your chest, or above your collarbone. It may also have spread into the spine, the sac around the heart, the heart muscle, the brain, the prostate, thyroid, or other distant areas of your body.
If you or one of your loved ones has mesothelioma and you would like to file a lawsuit, please contact The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP or call (410) 625-9330 today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Baltimore mesothelioma attorneys.
