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Related Information

NAME OF DISEASE
Mesothelioma, also called Malignant mesothelioma

WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA?
A relatively rare but fatal cancer of the thin membranes that covers the lungs, chest, and abdomen

WHAT CAUSES MESOTHELIOMA
Exposure to asbestos

MESOTHELIOMA RESOURCES

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Asbestos Exposure and Your Health

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus
About Mesothelioma

MedicineNet.com
Asbestos-Related Disorders

National Cancer Institute,
Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma - An Asbestos-Related Disease
Have you been exposed to asbestos? Do you have mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease? Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for their symptoms to appear. In the United States, it is estimated that 3,000 to 3,500 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare but fatal cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects the lungs and other internal organs of the body. The mesothelium consists of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the lungs or other organs; the other layer forms a sac around the lungs or other organs.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body.

The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity.
The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity.

The two types of mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma, which is the most common type, and peritoneal mesothelioma.

When mesothelioma develops, the abnormal cancer cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. These cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body.

What causes mesothelioma?

Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. The heavier the exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time, the greater the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and other cancers of the larynx, pharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Shortness of breath
A cough or a change in cough pattern
Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs
Pain in the chest or abdomen due to buildup of fluid in the abdomen
Bowel obstruction
Difficulty swallowing or prolonged hoarseness
Significant weight loss
Anemia or blood clotting abnormalities

If you have been exposed to asbestos and have any of the symptoms described above, you should schedule a physical examination with your personal doctor immediately.

Contact an Experienced Civil Litigation Attorney

Mesothelioma and asbestos litigation are among the most complex types of civil litigation. The lawyers and staff at Kershaw, Cutter and Ratinoff are actively engaged in the discovery and litigation of cases involving mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases both in California, and across the nation.

Kershaw, Cutter and Ratinoff has provided responsible representation for thousands of injured people with cases involving difficult medical and procedural issues. In addition, our firm and its attorneys are nationally recognized experts in complex mass tort litigation, class actions, medical malpractice, dangerous drugs (pharmaceuticals), and medical device litigation.

We have "leveled the playing field" for the individual, winning verdicts and settlements against big business, industrial and corporate giants. See Proven Results.

If you think you have been injured by exposure to asbestos, please fill out and submit the contact form on this page or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.