People in Louisiana and across the US contract what is known as mesothelioma, either from a personal history of exposure to asbestos or living with someone who works in a job that deals with the material. Some individuals may develop mesothelioma due to a family history of the disease and have siblings or parents who have contracted mesothelioma. Other rare causes of mesothelioma include radiation therapy for certain types of chest cancer.
Types of mesothelioma
There are two main types of mesothelioma, and depending on where the cancer spreads, each type may present different symptoms. These two types include pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the surrounding lung tissue, or pleura. Pleural mesothelioma causes symptoms such as strange or unusual lumps underneath the skin of your chest, chest pain and shortness of breath. Peritoneal mesothelioma, by contrast, occurs in the abdomen, and it causes issues like nausea or abdominal swelling.
What causes mesothelioma remains unclear. Some researchers suggest that the cause of mesothelioma is a combination of factors, like other conditions you have inherited, the environment you were raised in, other lifestyle choices and your health. Of course, asbestos exposure remains a primary reason that most people get mesothelioma. As with many cancers, mesothelioma occurs due to a series of mutations in your DNA that command the cells to multiply abnormally. This eventually forms a tumor that becomes what is known as mesothelioma.
Early diagnosis is crucial
If you or a loved one is currently showing symptoms or signs of mesothelioma, it is imperative to speak to a doctor because this cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose. If you believe that you have acquired mesothelioma by working in an environment filled with asbestos, it may be time for you to speak with a qualified attorney.