Mesothelioma is among the many types of cancers. This form of cancer occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers most of a person's internal organs (mesothelium). Usually, mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure. There are different types of mesothelioma. The first type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. This is the type that affects the pleura. The pleura is the tissue surrounding the lungs. The other types of mesothelioma are pericardial mesothelioma (affects the lining of the heart), peritoneal mesothelioma (affects the lining of the abdomen), and testicular mesothelioma (affects the lining of the testes). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for mesothelioma. However, there are several mesothelioma treatment options. Examples of types of treatment for mesothelioma patients include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.

While people know that asbestos exposure is dangerous, many people are still getting diagnosed with mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, there are around 3,000 new mesothelioma cases in the United States annually. So, why are thousands of people still getting diagnosed with mesothelioma every year?

Why are New Mesothelioma Cases Still Appearing?

First, while people learned about the dangers of mesothelioma long ago, many asbestos companies sought to hide this information from their workers and the public to pursue profits. Many asbestos companies let their workers continue working with asbestos, unaware of the dangers it poses. Over the years, workers in various industries have suffered asbestos exposure unknowingly. Occupational asbestos exposure continues to be a problem even today. Some people in certain industries, such as construction, shipbuilding, and mining, continue to be exposed to asbestos.

Second, new mesothelioma cases are still appearing because of secondary asbestos exposure. Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when someone who works with asbestos or asbestos-containing products carries asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, or skin, thus causing other household members to be exposed to asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is just as risky as direct asbestos exposure.

Third, new mesothelioma cases continue to appear because this type of cancer has a long latency period. This means that mesothelioma symptoms may take a long time to develop after a person suffers asbestos exposure. People who suffered asbestos exposure many years ago may still develop mesothelioma symptoms today. According to the Mayo Clinic, to mesothelioma can take more than 60 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Lastly, the reason new mesothelioma cases are still appearing may be that mesothelioma cases that went undetected in the past are now being detected. Today, healthcare professionals are more aware of mesothelioma and have improved diagnostic techniques, meaning that misdiagnosis cases are not as common as they were several years ago.

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.