Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It affects the protective membrane that surrounds the organs n your body. Mesothelioma is categorized into types according to the area of the body that is affected. You can have more than one type of mesothelioma. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, our experienced Arkansas mesothelioma lawyers can help.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining around the lungs. It is called pleural mesothelioma. Patients and loved ones who are first learning about mesothelioma often confuse this type of mesothelioma with lung cancer, but they are actually two different types of cancer. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure can cause both.
Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers which have been inhaled work their way out of the lungs and into the pleura. Like all forms of mesothelioma, it usually takes about 20 to 50 years to develop symptoms after having been exposed to asbestos. In its early stages, pleural mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as a less serious respiratory illness.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma affecting the protective sac around the heart is the least common type. It is called pericardial mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are very tiny and sharp. After the fibers are inhaled they can move from the lungs into the bloodstream and make their way to your heart.
The pericardium protects and lubricates the heart so it can function properly. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can include chest pain, irregular heart beat, and difficulty breathing.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
When asbestos fibers are ingested they can work their way out of the stomach and into the peritoneum. The peritoneum lines your abdominal cavity and surrounds your abdominal organs and testicles. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause symptoms in the digestive system such as abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, as well as difficulty breathing.
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma or any asbestos-related illness, please call our Arkansas mesothelioma attorneys or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our mesothelioma lawyers is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a mesothelioma lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.