Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75 percent of all diagnosed cases. This type of cancer forms in the pleura, or the protective lining around the lungs.
Simmons Hanly Conroy Helps Fight Pleural Mesothelioma
Former client LaTanyta Manuel lost her husband, Andrew, to pleural mesothelioma in 2004. Simmons Hanly Conroy helped this mother of three secure financial stability for her family and hold those responsible for her husband’s asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis accountable.
Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos is known to cause cancers like pleural mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they travel to the pleura. The body’s natural defenses try to get rid of the fibers, but many of them become lodged in the lungs. The trapped asbestos fibers irritate the pleura, causing inflammation and scarring – and as a result, make it difficult to breathe. The trapped fibers can cause pleural mesothelioma by prompting abnormal changes to the cells in the lining of the pleura, allowing tumors to grow and cause thickening and fluid to collect around the lungs.
Common Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
If you believe you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below as a result of asbestos exposure, contact your health care practitioner immediately. We also encourage you to contact mesothelioma support organizations, such as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, that can help connect you with a mesothelioma specialist.
Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosing mesothelioma in its earlier stages can help provide a wider range of treatment options, so it’s important that once you’ve been diagnosed, you start looking for a mesothelioma specialist.
If you detect early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath or chest and lower back pain, consult your primary care physician. He or she will perform preliminary tests and, if cancer is suspected, refer you to an oncologist. The oncologist, or cancer specialist will use a number of diagnostic tools to accurately confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis, including blood tests, imaging tests and biopsies to investigate cancerous growths.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include:
- Chest or lower back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Painful breathing
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Persistent hoarseness or dry coughing
Pleural Mesothelioma Lawyers
Our pleural mesothelioma lawyers have been working with victims of the disease and their families for nearly a decade and have become intimately familiar with the questions and concerns patients may have. Our skill and dedication to personal client service have helped us recover over $5 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers.
Watch the videos below to learn more about pleural mesothelioma from Mary Hesdorffer of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.