Our readers in Louisiana have no doubt heard about “mesothelioma” before, but many people do not know what, exactly, this illness is. For those who have been exposed to asbestos and have developed mesothelioma, or even those who think they might have the disease, it is important to understand the basics.
First, mesothelioma is fairly rare, occurring almost exclusively through exposure to asbestos, which is a material used in construction. Asbestos has been a commonly used construction material for decades and has been used in commercial, industrial and residential buildings alike. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in through the air by individuals who come into close contact with this material, and mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can develop due to that exposure.
Next, when a person has mesothelioma, the effects can be different for any given person. Like all other types of cancer, in some people mesothelioma will show effects spreading quickly in the body in one person, for example, while in another person the spread may be much slower. Radiation or chemotherapy have been used to treat mesothelioma when it is detected.
Lastly, as is fairly common with cancer diagnoses, the earlier that Louisiana residents find out that they have mesothelioma the better their chances of survival, for the most part. However, this disease can cause significant damage to a person’s body, reducing overall life expectancy in many cases. Our readers who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos may want to start considering their potential legal options if mesothelioma develops from that exposure.