Medical experts agree that mesothelioma cancer develops in four stages. Staging is the process of determining the stage of mesothelioma. Staging is done through testing techniques such as X-ray, PET scan, CT scan and MRI scan. Once the stage of mesothelioma disease has been determined, doctors can decide on the course of treatment that is appropriate.
The first stage of mesothelioma is known as localized malignant mesothelioma. The second, third and fourth stages of the cancer are collectively referred to as advanced malignant mesothelioma. In the first stage of mesothelioma, the cancer is present in the lining of the chest wall and also may be found in the lining of the lung, diaphragm or heart.
In the second stage, mesothelioma is present in the lining of the chest wall, lymph nodes, lining of the lung, diaphragm or heart. In the third stage, the cancer can be found in the middle section of the chest cavity (mediastinum), the heart, areas beyond the diaphragm and the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). In the fourth and final stage of mesothelioma, evidence of the cancer can be found in more distant organs.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that could have been avoided. Companies in the asbestos industry knew of the fatal dangers of asbestos as far back as the 1930s. If companies had warned of the dangers of asbestos or provided protective equipment such as respirators to prevent asbestos exposure, people who worked with asbestos products would not have developed mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma claims the lives of 3,000 people in the U.S. every year. Most of these people worked with asbestos products several decades ago. They did so without knowledge that asbestos is dangerous and without protection from the substance. The law allows these people to file asbestos lawsuits against companies responsible for recklessly exposing them to asbestos. The money obtained from a mesothelioma settlement can be used to pay for the high cost of cancer care and support of loved ones.
Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyers have been specializing in mesothelioma cases since 1986. The firm has won over $1 billion in asbestos cancer cases. Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma attorneys handle mesothelioma cases on a no-win, no-fee basis. That is, the firm does not get paid if it fails to win a settlement or verdict for a client. If the firm succeeds in obtaining a verdict or settlement, it collects a fraction of that amount as its legal fee. For more information and a free case review, visit http://www.weitzlux.com. For information on jobs involving a risk of developing mesothelioma, visit www.mesotheliomajobs.com.
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