South Dakota Mesothelioma Attorneys
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which kills its victims very quickly once they have been diagnosed, and is characterized by extreme pain. It is cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the membrane which surrounds the internal organs of the body, protecting and lubricating them so that they can function properly. There are several types of mesothelioma, classified by the area of the body which they affect. The most common type affects the pleura, which is the lining around the lungs.
Is mesothelioma a type of lung cancer?
No. Plural mesothelioma is cancer of the protective lining which surrounds the lungs, not the lungs themselves. There are other types of mesothelioma which affect other areas of the body, as well. It may seem like splitting hairs, but for legal purposes the difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer is very important.
Lung cancer can be caused by many things, and in many patients the exact cause is never known. Mesothelioma is caused specifically by asbestos exposure. Other factors, such as smoking, can increase your risk of developing the cancer, but you cannot develop mesothelioma without asbestos exposure. That is a critical factor in determining responsibility for your illness and, therefore, your ability to obtain compensation from the responsible party.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
So far, there is not cure for mesothelioma, but new treatments are constantly being researched and today’s treatments are promising. In the past a diagnosis of mesothelioma meant that death was near at hand. Today, most people with mesothelioma are not diagnosed until it is too late for treatment and they typically have less than a year, maybe two, to live.
Some cutting-edge treatment protocols have given patients a five year survival or better. However, you must be diagnosed in the early stages of the disease to be eligible for these advanced treatments.
Is mesothelioma contagious?
No, but it can appear to be contagious because it often strikes members of the same household. People who are exposed to asbestos can bring the fibers home on their clothing and in their hair and expose the people they live with.
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota mesothelioma attorneys right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.