Cancer occurs when body cells grow uncontrollably and metastasize. When a cancerous tumor forms, it can attack nearby tissues and move to distant places in the body to form new tumors. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are over 100 types of cancer.
Usually, types of cancer are named depending on the organs or tissue where the cancer forms. One type of cancer is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the mesothelium, which is the thin tissue that lines various internal organs. As mesothelioma lawyers, we have noticed that many people do not understand the difference between mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. That is why in this article, we will explain how mesothelioma differs from other forms of cancer.
Mesothelioma Develops in the Mesothelium
The first way mesothelioma differs from other forms of cancer is that it develops in the mesothelium. As mentioned already, the mesothelium is the thin tissue that lines various internal organs. The most common form of mesothelioma, malignant pleural mesothelioma, forms in the tissue lining the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma may develop in the tissue surrounding the abdomen, heart, or testicles.
Mesothelioma is Rare
The second way mesothelioma differs from other forms of cancer is that this form of cancer is rare. It is estimated that there are around 3,000 new mesothelioma cases in the U.S. every year. Breast, prostate, and lung cancer are among the most common forms of cancer. Each of these forms of cancer is said to affect over 200,000 people every year.
Mesothelioma Has a Long Latency Period
Unfortunately, the survival rates for mesothelioma tend to be worse than for many other forms of cancer. One of the main reasons mesothelioma survival rates tend to be worse than for many other cancers is that mesothelioma has a long latency period. Often, people tend to be older when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. In other words, mesothelioma is often diagnosed after it has progressed. The Mayo Clinic estimates that it can take 20 to 60 or more for someone to develop mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure is the Primary Cause of Mesothelioma
Most forms of cancers have more than one primary cause. With mesothelioma, there is only one primary cause. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. According to research, asbestos exposure accounts for up to 80% of all mesothelioma cases. However, it is crucial to note that not everyone who is exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. In fact, most people with asbestos exposure do not develop mesothelioma.
Is Mesothelioma the Deadliest of All Cancers?
All types of cancers can be deadly. There is not a single form of cancer that can be considered deadliest for everyone. However, mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. For this reason, it is considered deadlier than many other forms of cancer.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
