Is Mesothelioma Always Caused by Asbestos Exposure?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin layer of tissue that protects several internal organs. The rare but fatal disease attacks the body’s organ linings. Though this disease is most usually linked to asbestos exposure, there are notable exceptions. Naturally occurring fibrous minerals that crystallise into fibres are called asbestos. Mechanically strong, heat, fire, chemical, and biologically resistant asbestos fibres do not disintegrate or evaporate in water. Our aims at SilverOak Solicitors are to raise public knowledge of this horrible disease and assist those affected by it.

Which Organs Are Affected by Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma mostly affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), although it can occasionally affect other sites such the belly’s peritoneum, heart’s pericardium, or testicles. Often, the location of the disease defines its symptoms and course.

Symptoms of Lung-Related Mesothelioma (Pleural Mesothelioma)

Typical complaints are breathlessness, fever, tiredness, night sweats, a chronic cough, and persistent chest pain. Other symptoms include be “clubbing,” or swollen fingertips, less appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Often the slow start of these symptoms delays diagnosis.

Is There a Cure for Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma sadly cannot be treated with any medication. Most diagnosis come at an advanced level when treatment options are restricted to symptom management or life expectancy extension. Usually, upon diagnosis, life expectancy falls between 12 and 18 months. But early intervention and the correct medications can improve quality of life and, in rare cases, extend lifetime by several years.

Understanding Asbestos

Before being banned in the UK in 1999, fibrous material asbestos was used extensively in building. Flooring, roofing, and insulation can sometimes feature asbestos. Little fibres discharged into the air after destruction can be lethal. Breathing these fibres can lead to mesothelioma and other long-term medical problems.

How Does Asbestos Exposure Lead to Mesothelioma?

Once breathed in, asbestos fibres lodge in the lungs and over time cause irritation and damage. Mesothelioma symptoms frequently show decades after exposure, hence it is difficult to link the disease to a specific event or job. Workers in trades including shipbuilding, construction, and related industries are particularly vulnerable because of prolonged exposure in their line of work.

Is Asbestos Always the Cause of Mesothelioma?

In spite of the fact that asbestos exposure is the cause of the vast majority of mesothelioma cases, a small percentage of instances, which are referred to as spontaneous or idiopathic mesothelioma, arise without a known history of asbestos exposure. There are a number of experts who are of the opinion that throughout the course of a lifetime, these circumstances may still involve asbestos fibre interaction that is unknown or undetected.

Your Rights and Support

In the event that you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial assistance through a lawsuit or through government benefits. There is a well-known support group called Mesothelioma UK that provides patients and their families with information and direction. Helping people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma with their compensation claims is one of the areas of expertise that SilverOak Solicitors possess. Knowing how hard these cases could be, our team will gently and professionally lead you through the surgery.

Find out more about asbestos claims: Asbestos Exposure: Who Is Responsible for Prevention and Asbestos and Housing Disrepair Claims.

Contact SilverOak Solicitors

If a loved one or you have mesothelioma, we can help you. For informed advice and compassionate support right now, give us a call at 020 8678 7778. Let’s battle for your proper restitution and justice.