Mesothelioma and Social Security Disability Benefits
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in the mesothelium, the thin membrane around the organs. Mesothelioma can occur in the mesothelium of the lungs, the abdomen, the heart, and other areas. Mesothelioma is rare, affecting under 3000 people in the U.S. annually.
As with any type of cancer, mesothelioma attacks healthy cells, causing a variety of symptoms that can affect a patient’s quality of life significantly.
The effects of mesothelioma include:
- Pleural malignant mesothelioma (lungs)
- Reduced lung capacity—shortness of breath, painful breathing, chronic and painful cough, and loss of stamina
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain
- Pericardial mesotheliomal (heart)
- Irregular heartbeat/palpitations
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever/night sweats
- Peritoneal mesotheliomal (abdomen)
- stomach pain
- 2. abdominal swelling
- 3. bowel obstruction
- 4. unexplained weight loss
Cancer cells develop when genetic mutations cause cell structures to change and multiply. Abnormal cells are created, forming tumors which invade surrounding healthy tissue. These cancer cells break away from the initial tumor and spread to other parts of the body. Although there is no single identifiable cause of cancer, environment, genetics, and lifestyle may play a role in the mutation of cells. Exposure to the toxic mineral asbestos through inhalation of tiny fibers has been shown to be a major factor in the development of mesothelioma. Additional risk factors include smoking, family history of mesothelioma, and radiation exposure.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatment for mesothelioma varies based on the patient’s symptoms, stage and prognosis. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period, most cases are not detected until the disease presents symptoms at an advanced stage. Treatment may include surgery to remove diseased cells, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, experimental clinical trial treatments, medication, and symptom management.For more information about mesothelioma, please visit the National Cancer Institute’s Q&A page.
Located in major cities throughout the United States, The Cochran Firm offers extensive national resources, legal talent, and leadership to clients affected by mesothelioma and other disabling conditions. Please contact our Social Security Disability lawyers today for your free case review.
The Cochran Firm handles Social Security disability claims for clients throughout the United States of America. Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free Social Security disability case review.
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