With nearly 3/4 of mesothelioma tumors developing in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura, pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this disease. As of now the only known cause of this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers which are inhaled into the lungs and remain stuck there. From the lungs, the fibers reach the pleura by one of three ways: through translocation, when the fibers move through the lung tissue to the outside of the lung, through the blood stream, or through the lymphatic system.

It is rare that people in their 30s or 40s will develop pleural mesothelioma. It normally takes at least 20 years from the time of exposure to development of mesothelioma. Once development occurs, the symptoms will become noticeable.

Early symptoms of the disease are general and therefore make it hard to make a diagnosis right away. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or a continual cough.

Once diagnosed, surgery may extend the lifespan of the patient, but the disease is not fully cured. Radiation and chemotherapy are often used after the surgery. Yet even with the use of multiple treatments, most people with pleural mesothelioma will only survive up to two years after diagnosis.

Legal Rights

For over 25 years, the lawyers at Clapper Patti Schweizer & Mason have been representing people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families. We are committed to bringing victims justice and our attorneys have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for our clients.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, please contact our firm as soon as you can. We will arrange to fly to your home anywhere in the United States within a few days. In most cases, you will not have to travel or even appear in court. We will thoroughly investigate your case and take video depositions. You will not have to pay any attorneys fees unless we obtain a financial settlement.