Asbestos Mesothelioma Is Now Being Discovered in Children

For any parent that has a child diagnosed with mesothelioma, this is an unpleasant surprise as they, like most Americans, think this disease is isolated to adults only. In fact, studies of children with mesothelioma found that parents knew of asbestos exposure only five percent of the time. For the rest, it was a total shock, and a diagnosis of mesothelioma was reached only after extensive research by parents into the cause of their child’s poor health.

The causes of mesothelioma cancer in children are exposure to asbestos at a young age (either directly in the home or indirectly from parent bringing workplace asbestos home on their clothes), or exposure to certain medications while in the womb. Isoniazid, which is used to treat tuberculosis, has been linked to later cases of mesothelioma cancer in children when the mother takes it during pregnancy. Even though this is rare, it should not be forgotten.

Unlike mesothelioma in adults, the survival time for children following a diagnosis is slightly better. While adults who are diagnosed with the disease typically live for 4 to 18 months following the diagnosis, with appropriate treatment children have been known to reach adulthood despite a childhood mesothelioma discovery.

The key to a higher survival rate is early attention to the key symptoms of mesothelioma in children. Unfortunately, parents can’t count on hospital tests to uncover the disease right away. As mentioned, mesothelioma is rare in children, and doctors often focus on other diseases first unless there is a known history of asbestos exposure. Thus, parents must be persistent about ensuring they get answers.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma in Children

Children with mesothelioma exhibit a number of symptoms, which include the following:

* Breathing problems
* Weight gain problems
* Fatigue issues
* Unexplained fevers

Breathing problems typically manifest themselves as coughing fits, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing normally. These symptoms can be mistaken for asthma, allergies or chronic bronchial problems.

Parents and doctors alike will want to look for collaborating symptoms – weight gain primarily concentrated in the abdominal region, unexplainable tiredness, and chronic fever – to make a proper diagnosis. Once the correct diagnosis has been made, an appropriate course of treatment can be chosen.

Treatment Options for Children with Mesothelioma

Usually, children with asbestos mesothelioma go through multiple rounds of chemotherapy or radiation treatments. This is traditionally felt to be the best way to fight the cancer so they can grow up to be lifetime cancer survivors. The number of treatments will vary depending upon the individual circumstances of the patient.

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit for Your Child

If you have a child or know a child who seems to have an unexplained and chronic illness, don’t ignore the rare but potentially deadly early warning signs of mesothelioma. Visit the doctor for a proper screening and diagnosis for the disease, and then reach out to a mesothelioma attorney. Direct exposure to asbestos at home, indirect exposure due to asbestos in your workplace, or previous medication use could be the cause, and only an asbestos mesothelioma attorney will be able to advise you about your legal rights and options.

When you have to face cancer treatment for mesothelioma it is a very expensive process. The child will also have to be monitored for years to come, if not for the rest of their life. It is important that you receive the compensation necessary in order to provide your child with the proper care they need.