A large percentage of those with a mesothelioma diagnosis have either this deadly cancer either in the pleura or peritoneum. However, there are many patients that have both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. This is rare, yet this dual diagnosis leads to extreme limitations.
About Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is cancer that develops in the cells that form the outer lining of the lungs and inner lining of the chest cavities. It is the most common type of asbestos-related cancer. Specialists use the latest therapies to treat it, and clinical trials offer access to new treatments such as immunotherapy.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is one of the four primary types of malignant mesothelioma. The name stems from the area where cancer develops, along with the peritoneum, also known as the lining of the abdomen. Roughly 250 to 500 new cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, making it the second-most common mesothelioma type.
The peritoneum is a protective membrane that surrounds the abdomen, or belly. It has two layers, and mesothelioma can develop on both. The parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer surrounds the stomach, liver and other organs of the abdomen. Together, the layers support the abdominal cavity as a whole and the organs within it.
Having Both Types of Mesothelioma
The usual survival rate with having pleural mesothelioma is 33 months. However, those with peritoneal could survive up to five years. Yet, when a patient contracts both cancers, the survival rates plummets. Plus, it can be difficult to treat both cancers since surgery may not be an option.
Then, the symptoms of having both are also extreme. Once asbestos fibers reach the peritoneum and irritate the cells, the peritoneal lining starts to thicken. As cancer develops, the buildup of excess fluid in the abdomen, known as ascites, may occur next. Over time, tumors form and place pressure on the organs.
Many don’t notice the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma right away. People brush them off, especially the elderly. The early symptoms often mirror signs of less serious respiratory issues, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema. These symptoms are a common occurrence for seniors. Then, the symptoms grow more serious. These can be chest pain, slight fatigue or shortness of breath during physical activity.
Financial Assistance
Treatment is especially expensive, and insurance companies also may not cover the cost everything. If you don’t have medical insurance, treatment can be very difficult. If a doctor diagnosed you or a loved one with Mesothelioma, you may need assistance. It is also important to note that companies could have prevented your asbestos-related cancer. These corporations mined, manufactured and sold asbestos products that put profits over the health of you. Our legal system exists to hold these people accountable.
Mesothelioma Bankruptcy Trusts
Asbestos manufacturers are responsible for thousands of cases of mesothelioma due to their reckless use of the carcinogenic material. Corporations will reorganize under the bankruptcy code to protect itself from future litigation for past misdeeds. While you can no longer file a lawsuit against these entities, they are required under the bankruptcy reorganization to set aside funds from their assets to pay victims.
These claims can be made without having to file a complaint, go to court, or go to trial. These claims can proceed quickly within the individual administration of each trust fund. Due to the long latency period between exposure to asbestos and an actual diagnosis, there can be decades of future mesothelioma cases caused by a company. There are over thirty different trust funds with funding of over $30 billion dollars.
Get Help with a Specialized Complex Litigation Attorney
A Complex Litigation attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is critical when seeking help to cover your asbestos-related expenses. Identifying when and where asbestos exposure occurred is crucial to your lawsuit. Experienced lawyers are familiar with companies that used asbestos and know which job sites had a significant amount of asbestos use. Also, they know which products contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral.
Consultations are completely free, confidential and have no obligation. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Law firms across the country have recognized our team of attorneys as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Our award-winning staff is also sought after for our knowledge on complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies and trial tactics.
Most of all, our law office is resourceful and dedicated to pursuing any compensation you are due. Because of this, we have received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. We will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.