What is mesothelioma

Mesothelioma attorney John Tulip describes mesothelioma as a rare form of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos.  The cancer attacks the membranes that surround, or line, the areas around organs.  Generally, mesothelioma manifests itself in three parts of the body:  the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, the lining of the abdominal cavity, and the lining around the heart.  Mesothelioma is sometimes, but rarely, found other places in the body, such as the testicles.  Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it symptoms resemble those of many conditions, and as a result the disease may not be properly diagnosed until its later stages.  Additionally, it takes many years for the disease to appear, so patients may associate their symptoms with growing older rather than disease.  The long period of time between exposure to asbestos and disease manifestation also means that the connection between the symptoms and asbestos exposure may not be readily apparent.