Mesothelioma: Causes and Symptoms

Exposure to asbestos on the job has been a grave problem throughout New York State. Western New York contains numerous industrial factories, many of which used asbestos at some point or another. New York State has had at least 23 asbestos mines and deposits in existence. Continued asbestos exposure can result in the development of mesothelioma and other diseases directly related to asbestos.

Mesothelioma, although rare, is an extremely destructive form of cancer that advances in the linings of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Many workers that were previously exposed to asbestos in the past are experiencing symptoms related to mesothelioma now. Each year, there are approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma throughout the United States. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the highest mortality rates for mesothelioma are in industrial areas such as Buffalo, New York. Unfortunately, the average life expectancy for someone suffering from mesothelioma is only 12 to 21 months.

Stories of mesothelioma cancer and deaths related to exposure to asbestos are becoming more and more prevalent in New York State and throughout the United States. Tragic happenings like these inspire Jed Dietrich, Esq. to strive to provide the highest level of personal injury service to the people of Western New York each and every day. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s team of Buffalo, New York mesothelioma illness injury lawyers is highly experienced, aggressive, tenacious and hardworking as we attempt to obtain the best possible results for people suffering mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos in Buffalo, New York; Rochester, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; throughout New York State and beyond.

Since 1999, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has exclusively handled serious personal injury cases and has battled to obtain over $175 Million in verdicts and settlements for people who are injured in Buffalo, New York and beyond. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s team of highly experienced and top rated mesothelioma illness attorneys in Buffalo, New York possess the knowledge and skills necessary to methodically investigate your level of asbestos exposure claim, and ensure that you are in a position to receive the highest possible recovery for your injuries. Contact us today at 716-839-3939 for your free consultation. We can be reached 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.

The only definitive cause of malignant mesothelioma is prolonged exposed to asbestos, which is responsible for at least 80% of cases.

Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. After inhalation, the minuscule asbestos fibers eventually become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. The fibers can cause both direct and indirect DNA damage. Asbestos directly impedes the division of cells, which can ultimately result in both cell mutations and damaging inflammation. Asbestos can indirectly cause mesothelial cells to discharge reactive mutagenic nitrogen and oxygen, which also leads to mutation. Both mutations can eventually cause the development of mesothelioma tumors and the formation of cancer. Any exposure to asbestos, regardless of at the workplace or in your household, significantly increases the chances of developing mesothelioma.

Some other potential causes, or at least influencing factors, of malignant mesothelioma cancer include:

1. Zeolites: Zeolites are very similar to asbestos and considered another cause of mesothelioma. Zeolites are absorptive minerals that commonly contain aluminum and silicone.
2. Radiation Exposure: Some people affected by mesothelioma maintain that they never came in contact with asbestos, but were exposed to radiation. Although radiation is possibly a factor for mesothelioma, there are only a limited number of reports establishing any connection.
3. Simian Virus 40: A number of mesothelioma incidents show a possible link between the simian virus 40 (SV40) and mesothelioma. Research has shown a close correlation among those that have the virus and the appearance of mesothelioma.
4. High Aspect Ratio Nanoparticles: High aspect ratio, also referred to as HARNs, are nanoparticles that have been shown to be harmful to humans. However, further research is needed to demonstrate a stronger connection.

Additionally, scientists have acknowledged various other risk factors that can magnify the risk of developing mesothelioma, such as smoking.

If you, or a loved one, were diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos, contact the legal team of Buffalo, New York mesothelioma illness injury lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. today so that we can help you. We are dedicated and determined to get you the best possible result after your personal injury in Buffalo, New York and throughout New York State. Contact us today at 716-839-3939.

The most effective way to improve a mesothelioma diagnosis is through early detection. Some common symptoms and signs of mesothelioma include:

1. Night sweats and fever;
2. Chest pain;
3. Difficult breathing;
4. Coughing;
5. Loss of appetite;
6. Trouble swallowing;
7. Stomach pain and swelling;
8. Nausea and vomiting;
9. Anemia;
10. General fatigue;
11. Muscle weakness; and
12. Unexplained weight loss.

Symptoms may differ greatly based on the mesothelioma type an individual suffers from because each type impacts a different region of the body. Malignant pleural mesothelioma, the most common type responsible for around 80 to 90% of all mesothelioma occurrences, affects the lungs’ linings and often impacts the patient’s breathing and the chest cavity. While peritoneal mesothelioma is responsible for 10 to 20% of all instances and generally concerns organs in the abdominal cavity. Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases and affects the lining of the heart. A patient’s symptoms can help direct doctors through diagnostics and present vital data on where to perform further biopsies, scans and imaging.

If an individual suffers from any common symptoms of malignant mesothelioma, they should seek an evaluation from a medical specialist as soon as possible. Those diagnosed and treated at early stages generally have more treatment options, which increases their life expectancy. Symptoms may appear any time from 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Factors that can affect the appearance of symptoms include:

1. Amount of exposure: People that were subjected to large quantities of asbestos may begin to have symptoms more rapidly than those exposed to lower amounts.
2. Length of time exposed: Individuals exposed to asbestos for extensive lengths of time may suffer symptoms before those with one-time exposures.
3. Type of asbestos: Crocidolite, or Blue Asbestos, is believed to lead to greater danger relating to health concerns than other types of asbestos, and can potentially cause individuals to start having earlier symptoms.
4. Additional factors: When and how symptoms become noticeable depends on the cell type, stage of mesothelioma and how the disease has spread.

The frequency of mesothelioma and deaths linked to asbestos exposure is alarming. If you, or a loved one, have suffered any illnesses from exposure to asbestos, you may have a legal right to compensation for the injuries that you suffered. Contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s team of highly experienced, aggressive, tenacious and hardworking asbestos exposure illness attorneys in Buffalo, New York today to learn more about your legal rights. We can be reached 24 hours per day and 7 days per week at 716-839-3939. Call us today!

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!