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How Does Mesothelioma Form?

Legally Reviewed by Joseph P. Williams on December 10, 2023

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have questions about the disease and how it forms. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can occur in the lining of the lungs, chest wall, and abdomen. Like all cancers, this disease starts in your cell DNA, which mutates and receives wrong information. While there are several groups of people at risk for mesothelioma, most people with the condition were exposed to asbestos. If this is the case for you, our experienced team at The Williams Law Firm, P.C. is here to help.

We have provided unmatched legal services for years, giving us the skills, knowledge, and resources to take on your mesothelioma claim. We have never lost a case thanks to our dedication to justice and commitment to excellence. Our leading attorney, Joe Williams, has over 30 years of experience and will meet with you personally in your home to work on your case. With this unwavering advocacy and support, you can focus on what matters most while we handle every aspect of your claim and fight for your rights. 

How Mesothelioma Forms in the Body

Because mesothelioma is a type of cancer, it begins to form in the body when a cell’s DNA mutates, causing it to receive incorrect information and multiply. This rapid cell growth creates a tumor or mass of mutated cells. While the cause of these mutations is unknown, asbestos exposure has been deemed the leading cause of mesothelioma. 

When exposed to asbestos, the fibers travel through your airways and enter the lining of the lungs, also known as the pleura. The irritation from these fibers causes inflammation and damage in the pleura that could result in mutated cancer cells. This may also occur in other organ lining. As the mesothelioma progresses, fluid can build up in the pleura or other affected areas, which can lead to shortness of breath or chest pain if the tumor compresses the nerves in that area. 

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Mesothelioma often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because the symptoms are often very similar to other illnesses, such as the flu. Additionally, a doctor may not consider testing for mesothelioma if they do not know you were exposed to asbestos. Therefore, it’s crucial to inform your doctor if you experience mesothelioma symptoms or learn you have been exposed to asbestos. 

While every case of mesothelioma is different, doctors typically take the following steps to diagnose patients:

  • Physical exam: This diagnosis process begins with a physical exam to understand your health history and where you may have been exposed. Your doctor may be able to detect any irregularities during this evaluation.
  • Blood tests and x-rays: CT scans, chest x-rays, and blood work can reveal information about elevated levels, signs of asbestos exposure, and fluid buildup in the lungs and chest.
  • Pleural fluid assessment: If your doctor identifies fluid buildup in the pleura, they may choose to drain the fluid. This helps eliminate other causes of the excess fluid.
  • Tissue biopsy: Finally, mesothelioma is officially diagnosed through a tissue biopsy. During this procedure, your doctor removes a sample from the tumor site and tests it for cancer cells. Then, your doctor determines your mesothelioma’s stage.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, our seasoned team at The Williams Law Firm, P.C. can help you handle the legal process and hold the liable party accountable for their negligence. 

Contact the Experienced New York Mesothelioma Lawyers at The Williams Law Firm, P.C. Today

Getting diagnosed with mesothelioma can be overwhelming and confusing, and you may need help understanding how the cancer forms. This information can help you make confident decisions about your treatment and know who may be liable for your losses. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we can answer your questions about how mesothelioma forms and gets diagnosed. This way, we can help you seek the justice you deserve. 

Our attorneys take a personal approach to your claim, taking the time to listen to your story and understand your needs. With the high stakes involved, you don’t want to leave your claim to an inexperienced lawyer directed by their boss. With the help of founding partner Joe Williams, who has over 30 years of experience, you can have the peace of mind that your claim is in the right hands. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (855) 575-6376 or fill out our contact form.

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