Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with about 3,000 cases new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, affects the membranes surrounding the lungs. It is, however, very different from lung cancer. It is a much rarer and usually far more deadly form of cancer than lung cancer. It is caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers.

Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used throughout most of the 1900s in nearly every industry because it forms long fibers that can be woven or mixed into materials. Asbestos was broken, crushed, and abraded, oftentimes resulting in dust and fibers that were breathed in or swallowed. People who breathed asbestos dust are at risk for developing mesothelioma.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you first should seek out a health care provider who specializes in mesothelioma. Although the prognosis for people diagnosed with mesothelioma is not great, there are ways of minimizing the pain and suffering and a few promising new treatments on the horizon. You should also consult with an experienced attorney who can help you determine whether if you or your loved one are entitled to benefits and damages resulting from your exposure to asbestos. Please contact the Michael C. Watson, Attorney at Law, today for a free consultation