What is mesothelioma?

On Behalf of | Jun 26, 2019 | mesothelioma |

There are many illnesses you could develop due to working conditions in Illinois. Some may show up quickly while others may take years or decades to finally make an appearance. Once such illness is mesothelioma. This is a devastating disease often linked with a specific substance that you may have once been exposed to on the job.

The Mayo Clinic explains that mesothelioma is a cancer in the layer of tissue covering your organs, which is called the mesothelium. It is a very aggressive and deadly disease that has some treatments available but is usually fatal. As with any cancer, this is caused by cell mutation. It is most commonly found in the lungs, but some cases may occur in the testicles, abdomen and heart.

The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. This harmful substance is actually safe when left alone, but once it begins to break down or is broken down on purpose, the resulting dust gets into the body through breathing and can manifest horrible issues, such as this cancer. However, exposure to asbestos does not always cause mesothelioma, and in fact, most people exposed will never get the disease. In addition, not every case of the disease occurs due to asbestos exposure. Genetics and radiation exposure may also cause it.

Perhaps the most alarming thing about mesothelioma is that it takes quite a while to show up. It could take 20 to 60 years before you get a diagnosis. This information is for education and is not legal advice.