North Carolina Mesothelioma Attorneys
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Unlike other types of cancer that asbestos can cause, mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos. Most people who develop mesothelioma do not experience symptoms until 20 to 50 years after they were exposed to asbestos and when the cancer has progressed to its final stages. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you may be entitled to compensation which can pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Our North Carolina mesothelioma attorneys are here to help.
The Mesothelium
Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the membrane that surrounds your internal organs. Mesothelium for different areas of the body has different names:
- Pleura surrounds the lungs
- Peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity and surrounds the abdominal organs
- Pericardium protects and lubricates the heart
How Mesothelioma Develops
Asbestos is a group of fibrous mineral. When the sharp, tiny fibers get into your body, your immune system cannot get rid of them. Most asbestos enters the body through inhalation, but it can also be ingested. The asbestos fibers work their way into the mesothelium and get lodged there. They cause irritation and inflammation, and over time they cause the development of abnormal cells.
In some patients mesothelioma shows no early symptoms. Those who experience early symptoms often mistake them for other, less serious illnesses and do not know they should ask for mesothelioma screening. Mesothelioma is rare, and doctors typically assume that another illness is causing the symptoms and fail to look for mesothelioma.
Noticeable symptoms typically do not appear until the cancer is already in its final stages. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, the most common type, include:
- Shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath when at rest
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Painful breathing
- Chest or rib pain
- Persistent dry cough
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Lumps under the skin of the chest
- Fluid around the lungs
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.