San Francisco Mesothelioma Attorneys
Mesothelioma is not an accident. It is a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos companies, manufacturers and other employers knew for decades that exposure to asbestos caused mesothelioma, yet they continued to use it and failed to warn or provide adequate protection to their employees.
There is no cure, but there are treatments which can sometimes extend life and improve quality of life for mesothelioma victims. And, the treatments for mesothelioma are always improving. Mesothelioma is not contagious, but asbestos is often passed to loved ones and other household members causing them to develop the deadly cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the San Francisco mesothelioma law firm of Brayton Purcell, LLP, can help.
Mesothelioma Basics
Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane surrounding your internal organs. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which develops in the pleura which is the lining around the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma is often confused with and even referred to as lung cancer, but it is a different type of cancer. Confusing matters further, mesothelioma can metastasize to the lung tissue.
The other types of mesothelioma include:
- Peritoneal – affecting the lining of the abdomen
- Pericardial – affecting the sac around the heart
- Gonadal – affecting the testicles
How Asbestos Exposure Leads to Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers are very tiny and sharp, and they cannot be broken down by your immune system. After they are inhaled or ingested they can work their way into the mesothelium. There they cause irritation and inflammation and can eventually lead to abnormal cell growth and cancer.
This process can take decades. It is common for mesothelioma victims to be symptom-free for ten or 20 years after exposure to asbestos. Once the symptoms appear and the cancer is diagnosed, the cancer is typically far enough advanced that life expectance is 18 months or less. When mesothelioma is detected early more effective treatment options are available.
If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma, please call the San Francisco mesothelioma attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online today. We are recognized as one of the top mesothelioma law firms in the country and represent mesothelioma victims nationwide. We offer free and confidential consultations. Please call today to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
