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Mesothelioma Massachusetts

The increased incidence of mesothelioma, the asbestos-related malignant cancer, has shocked and angered victims and their families around the world and resulted in numerous lawsuits against asbestos companies and manufacturers. While a gradual decline in mesothelioma cases is predicted over the next few decades, many people are still facing suffering and death as a result of the disease, which, by the time it is diagnosed, is usually incurable.

1. Local Companies

2. Defining Mesothelioma

3. Diagnosing Mesothelioma

4. Mesothelioma Types and Symptoms

5. Featured Local Company

1 . Local Companies

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay
(617) 451-2860
212 Northern Avenue, Suite 304 West
Boston, MA

Law Offices of Horan McLean & Horan
(508)991-2216
17 Orchard Street
New Bedford, MA

Law Office of Daniel M. Tremblay
978-779-2236
236 Main Street
Bolton, MA

Correia-Champa & Mailhot
(617) 422-0400
295 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA

Spinale Paralegal Services
(978) 532-5345
P.O. Box 262
Peabody, MA

Andrews & Updegrpah, P.C.
978-740-6633
12 Federal Street
Salem, MA

Jeffrey P. Pagliuca, Attorney At Law
774-501-2614
34 Partridge Circle
Taunton, MA

Law Offices of James P. Geraghty
(617) 571-5487
80 Washington Square
Norwell, MA

Law Office of JoJeanne B. Lown
508-870-5782
P.O. Box 807
Westborough, MA

Michael J. Tremblay, Attorney-Mediator
508-485-4500
277 Main St.
Marlborough, MA

2 . Defining Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a slow-developing, malignant cancer that occurs mainly as the result of regular exposure to asbestos. As a rule, it affects the membrane known as the pleura which lines the lungs and chest cavity, but it is also occasionally found in the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity, and the pericardium, a membrane surrounding the heart. There are a few cases where mesothelioma has been detected in people who have had no known contact with asbestos, but the evidence of asbestos contact exists in the majority of cases and is accepted as the main risk factor.

The most common victims of mesothelioma are people who have worked in industries in which they were exposed to asbestos. As asbestos was used widely in the 1960s and 1970s before its adverse effects were publicized, and as mesothelioma can take many years to develop and manifest itself, the majority of people found to be suffering from it are men in the 60-70 years age group. Their exposure to asbestos, however, also puts at risk people with whom they were in regular contact, such as family members. Fibers and dust from asbestos remaining on the skin, hair, and clothes of the workers were sometimes inhaled by others, putting them also at risk of malignant mesothelioma or other diseases related to asbestos such as asbestosis, pleural disorders, and lung cancer.

While mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon disease, its incidence has increased in the past two decades, along with an increased awareness of the dangers of exposure to asbestos. The number of mesothelioma-related deaths now stands at thousands each year in countries such as the UK and the United States. Studies project that these numbers will peak within the next decade before declining.

3 . Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare type of cancer, but its symptoms resemble those of various other conditions. Because of this, it can be difficult to diagnose or may be misdiagnosed as lung cancer, viral pneumonia, or other complaints. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is strongly advised to tell their doctor about the exposure so that symptoms can be investigated with this in mind.

When there is any likelihood of mesothelioma, your doctor will want to perform a physical examination and request blood tests, chest X-rays, and probably a CAT scan or an MRI test. If a large amount of pleural fluid shows up, this can be drained and analysed. A biopsy or tissue examination can then be carried out to show whether mesothelioma is present, or whether the fluid indicates another type of pleural disease which is asbestos-related but benign.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma which is described as “localised,” this means that cancer has been found only on the surface of the membrane where it originated. In this case, surgery will probably be carried out to remove the tumour and surrounding tissue. If it is described as “advanced,” this means it has moved beyond the membrane surface and has spread to other parts of the body such as the abdomen, chest, or lungs. Most cases of mesothelioma tend to be advanced, because the symptoms are so slow to manifest. In such cases, treatment is palliative, with a focus on easing pain and discomfort as much as possible.

4 . Mesothelioma Types and Symptoms

Various types of mesothelioma can result from exposure to asbestos. The symptoms, however, may not manifest for up to fifty years after the exposure. They can also be missed or mistaken, because they are often similar to the symptoms of less serious illnesses.

The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma which affects the pleura, the membrane which lines the lungs and chest cavity. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness, difficulty with swallowing, pain in the chest wall, and the presence of fluid around the lung. There may also be fever and weight loss.

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when the cancer affects the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms can include abdominal swelling and pain, obstruction of the bowel, appetite loss, nausea, and weight loss. There may also be breathing and swallowing problems, and swelling of the face and neck.

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma. It occurs when the cancer affects the heart and surrounding tissue. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, palpitations, difficulty with breathing, and chest pain.

Because there are often no symptoms for many years, or because those symptoms can be mistaken as signs of other illnesses such as pneumonia, mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. It is often only when the later stages are reached, and the mesothelioma is at an advanced level, that symptoms manifest themselves. When symptoms do appear, they should not be ignored, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos or have had contact with someone who has. By providing all the information possible, you will make it easier for your doctor to make a correct diagnosis and to provide you with the most helpful treatment and advice.

5 . Featured Local Company

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

(617) 451-2860
212 Northern Avenue, Suite 304 West
Boston, MA
http://www.savetheharbor.org/

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is a non-profit public interest harbor advocacy organization. We are made up of thousands of citizens, as well as scientists, and civic, corporate, cultural and community leaders whose mission is to restore and protect Boston Harbor, Massachusetts Bay, and the marine environment and share them with the public for everyone to enjoy.

Read more about Mesothelioma

- Mesothelioma Top 5 Settlements Massachusetts

Here you will find information on the top 5 mesothelioma settlements.

- Asbestos Related Claims Massachusetts
- Mesothelioma Glossary Massachusetts

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- Asbestos Related Claims Massachusetts

Asbestos has no respect for socio economic group or occupation. There are over 1,000 new cases of Mesothelioma reported every year in the UK. It is generally accepted asbestos is the cause.

- Mesothelioma Glossary Massachusetts
- Mesothelioma Top 5 Settlements Massachusetts

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Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
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Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
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Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History