A Guide to Mesothelioma: What You Need to Know

If you or someone you love has worked in an industry with a risk of asbestos exposure, you may be familiar with the term ‘mesothelioma’. While not an everyday term, it carries a lot of weight as an illness and death sentence for many people who are diagnosed with it. If you’ve found yourself on this health journey and need to learn more about mesothelioma, the information in this guide below can be a good place to start.  

What Is Mesothelioma?  

There’s a reason why an asbestos trust fund has been set up for people diagnosed with mesothelioma and the loved ones of people who have died because of it. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare form of cancer affecting the protective tissue around internal organs, like the lungs, the heart, and the abdomen.

Asbestos exposure is the leading risk factor for this cancer. As a result, anyone exposed to asbestos through their job, location, or proximity to someone working with asbestos can be at risk. 

What Causes Mesothelioma? 

Nearly all cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos. When inhaled, the small asbestos fibers can become trapped in the protective layers of your internal organs. Over time, they can cause gene mutation and, eventually, cancer. A diagnosis of mesothelioma can come 20 to 60 years after being exposed to asbestos. 

Who Is Most At Risk of Mesothelioma?  

The people most at risk of mesothelioma are those who have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives. People who worked in industries like mining, construction, and shipbuilding are at risk, as are their family members who may have been exposed to asbestos particles when their loved ones returned home. People living near asbestos factories are also at an increased risk.

Due to the high instances of occupational exposure, men are generally more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma than women. While awareness of the dangers of asbestos has led to precautions being taken to limit exposure, some industries still pose a significant risk, including asbestos removal, construction and renovation, shipbuilding, and automotive repair.  

What to Do After Being Diagnosed with Mesothelioma 

When you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s only natural that you won’t know what to do. Alongside connecting with healthcare professionals to discuss treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, it may also be worth exploring your legal options. 

Companies that used or made asbestos were forced to set up trust funds for people who would be affected by asbestos-related illnesses. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or your family member has died from it, you may be eligible for funds from a mesothelioma trust. The average total payout from a trust fund is $300,000 to $400,000. Contact a lawyer, start gathering evidence to support your claim, and file a claim with a mesothelioma trust. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s time to start researching it. The more you know about it, the easier it can be to make decisions for your health and wellness going forward.