November is lung cancer awareness month and one type of lung cancer that must be addressed is Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and is often caused as a result of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma derives its name from Mesothelium (a protective sac, or membrane, that covers internal organs).

The Mesothelium is a layer of two cells, one surrounds and protects organs and the other is a sac that contains fluid. Mesothelium is known by different names according to which internal organ it surrounds. The layer surrounding the lungs is known as pleura and the mesothelium layer that surrounds abdominal organs is called the peritoneum. When malignant cancer cells form in the Mesothelium the cancer is called Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma can spread and invade all organs and tissues throughout the body. Most cases of Mesothelioma begin in the pleura, the membrane that covers the lungs. It may also begin in the peritoneum, the mesothelium layer surrounding the abdominal cavity. When cancer cells multiply and spread from one area to another it is called metastasis. Mesothelioma can become Metastatic Mesothelioma when the cancer spreads from its original location to other organs throughout the body.

Approximately 2000 cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. More men are diagnosed with Mesothelioma due to their previous working environments and asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure accounts for approximately 70-80% of all Mesothelioma cases while there have been confirmed cases in people without any prior exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is considered the primary risk factor for developing Mesothelioma. Smoking and exposure to asbestos greatly increases those risks. However, smoking by itself, does not increase a person’s risk of developing Mesothelioma.

Many lawsuits have been filed against companies by the families of loved ones who died as a result of Mesothelioma. A current lawsuit was filed against the company DuPont by Roger Neely. Neely’s mother died from Mesothelioma. The suit claims that DuPont failed to warn Neely’s father, Lively Neely about the risk of asbestos exposure. Lively Neely worked at the DuPont Plant, located in Old Hickory, Tennessee for approximately 20 years.

Studies have shown that those who work with asbestos can bring the fibers and dust home on their hair and clothing, causing secondary risk to those who come in contact with the contaminated individual. The suit claims that Lively Neely brought asbestos into his home for 20 years, never knowing that he was placing his family at risk. Ruby Neely died earlier this year from Mesothelioma derived from second hand asbestos exposure.

To read more about Roger Neely’s Meothelioma lawsuit click here.