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North Dakota Mesothelioma Lawyer

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What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a membrane in the body that covers and protects most organs in the body. The job of the mesothelium is to protect organs as they slide against each other during the normal course of movement, such as when the heart beats or lungs expand and contract.

Mesothelioma causes abnormalities in the cells of the mesothelium, in which they divide rapidly and erratically, leading to tumors. The abnormal cells may also attack the tissue of nearby organs and also have the potential to spread to other regions of the body.

What causes mesothelioma?

The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in patients who were exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is the name for a group of commonly occurring minerals, which have been widely used in the manufacture of many goods, as well as in various manufacturing processes, because it is heat and fire resistant. Asbestos may be found in roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and certain cement products. It may also be found in friction products, such as automobile clutches, brakes, and transmission parts. Asbestos fibers do not dissolve in water or evaporate in the air; they can remain virtually unchanged for long periods of time.

People who have been exposed to large amounts of asbestos, or for long periods of time, are at a higher risk for mesothelioma. This may include people who work or worked in industries that manufactured products that used asbestos, such as building products or automobile parts. In addition, ship builders, construction workers, and railroad and automotive workers may have had greater chances of being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma.

What are symptoms of mesothelioma?

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, pain in the lower back or side of the chest, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, abdominal pain, swelling in the abdomen, weight loss, and vomiting. Many of these symptoms are symptoms of common ailments; as such, often times people ignore them for a time before going to the doctor. The symptoms may also be initially mistaken for other illnesses.

What are treatments for mesothelioma?

If mesothelioma is found, a doctor will review your case and determine what treatment options are the most appropriate. Possible treatment options include surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Some people may choose to participate in clinical trials or use alternative therapies to treat their cancer.

What to do if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma

Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. If you are one of these people, it is recommended that you speak with a lawyer. A lawyer who is familiar with personal injury cases and mesothelioma can review your case. It may be possible, if you were exposed to asbestos because of your occupation, for you to receive compensation to cover medical expenses associated with your cancer.

An attorney based in North Dakota will be familiar with statutes of limitations in the state, as well as the grounds necessary to file a claim. Speak with an attorney who can help you seek the peace of mind you deserve.