North Carolina Mesothelioma Attorneys
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium. It is caused by asbestos exposure. The mesothelium is the membrane that surrounds your internal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the protective lining which surrounds the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane which surrounds the abdominal cavity and surrounds the abdominal organs and testicles. Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the protective sac around the heart.
What other illnesses does asbestos exposure cause?
Asbestos exposure can cause other types of cancer including:
- Lung cancer
- Throat cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colon cancer
It can also cause non-cancerous diseases. Asbestosis is progressive scarring of the lung tissue caused by asbestos. It can be fatal. Asbestos can also cause the formation of non-cancerous (benign) tumors and cysts throughout the body, primarily in the pleura and reproductive organs.
Can smokers and former smokers receive compensation for mesothelioma?
Yes, smokers and former smokers have the same legal rights as everyone else when it comes to mesothelioma. Smoking does not cause mesothelioma. A mesothelioma diagnosis means that you were harmed by asbestos.
Although you may hear mesothelioma referred to as “asbestos lung cancer” it is not lung cancer at all. The confusion occurs for several reasons:
- The majority of mesothelioma cases are pleural mesothelioma which develops in the membrane that surrounds the lungs, a distinction which most people do not find significant.
- Misdiagnosis of mesothelioma as lung cancer used to be common. Today we have tests that can differentiate between the two, but misdiagnosis still happens sometimes.
- Asbestos can also cause true lung cancer.
What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis which is scarring of the lungs. Asbestosis is progressive and has no cure. However, treatment can slow the progression, improve your quality of life, and extend you life. Asbestosis is not a form of cancer, but it can be fatal.
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma or any asbestos-related illness, please call or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if our North Carolina mesothelioma attorneys agree to handle your mesothelioma claim, they will work on a contingent fee basis, which means they only get paid for their services if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations. Please call our North Carolina mesothelioma attorneys right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.