Mesothelioma Overview
Pleural MesotheliomaPleural Mesothelioma FactsNearly three-quarters of mesothelioma tumors develop in the lining of the lungs, which is known as the "pleura." Consequently, this type of mesothelioma cancer is known as pleural mesothelioma. The only known cause of pleural mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers, which are inhaled into the lungs and become lodged there. From the lung, asbestos fibers are thought to move to the pleura in a few different ways: first, by translocution (in which the fibers actually move through lung tissue to the outside of the lung and are picked up buy the pleura); second, by clearance through the lymphatic system, and third, through the blood stream. Usually it takes at least 20 years from the time a person is exposed to asbestos until they develop mesothelioma. This is called the latency period. Sometimes the disease does not occur for 40, 50 or even 60 years after the person is exposed to asbestos. This explains the fact that the vast majority of persons diagnosed with mesothelioma are seniors. Rarely, the disease can occur in people in their 30's and 40's. The prognosis for people with pleural mesothelioma is not good. Most malignant pleural mesothelioma cases are fatal within two years. However some people do much better, especially when taking advantage of new chemotherapy and surgical treatments that have become available in recent years. The surgical options include a pleurectomy or pleural decortication, which involves essentially peeling the tumor from the chest lining and lung. Another surgical option is an extrapleural pneumonectomy, which involves removal of one lung and associated pleural tissue. Both of these treatments are usually followed by radiation therapy. The preferred chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma involves treatment with Alimta and Cisplatin. Our attorneys represent pleural mesothelioma victims, as well as spouses, sons, and daughters of people who have died from this rare form of occupational cancer. Our attorneys have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for our clients. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, please contact our lawyers. We will arrange to fly to your home anywhere in the United States within a few days. In most cases, you will not have to travel or even appear in court. We will thoroughly investigate your case and take video depositions. You will not have to pay any attorneys’ fees unless we obtain a financial settlement. Contact the pleural mesothelioma cancer lawyers at Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason today. Located throughout California, our mesothelioma attorneys have represented clients throughout the United States. |