Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos compensation fibers inflame and cause damage to the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Eventually the abnormal cells grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 — 50 years for symptoms to appear and are often confused with other ailments. An asbestos lawyer-related history is the only known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can affect the chest wall and lungs. Patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma typically suffer from symptoms like breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing. In addition there are some patients who experience the formation of fluid in the lung’s space and chest wall, which is known as a Pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the linings of the chest and lung. As time passes the lining that has been irritated forms tumors that develop into the pleura. The tumors can spread to the peritoneum, bones, and the liver.
After asbestos exposure it can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop pleural Mesothelioma. Those who were exposed at work to asbestos are at the highest chance of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and those on ships, as well as veterans, are at risk.
A person may experience symptoms for several weeks before the doctor determines that pleural mesothelioma is the cause. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and a dry cough. The condition can also trigger a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A physician can identify mesothelioma through a detailed history of the patient’s asbestos exposure and performing a physical exam. Chest X-rays or CT scans may be performed. These tests may reveal fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor that is located near one of the lungs.
The first step to treating mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. This can be done by doctors using the procedure called thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin flexible tube between two ribs in the chest cavity. This tube allows doctors the ability to examine the area and collect samples of pleural fluid. Doctors can then analyze the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
A patient’s prognosis for mesothelioma of the pleural is based on several factors, including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The prognosis may be affected by patient’s age as well as whether or not they smoke. The survival rate of a patient is also influenced by their general health and how quickly they seek treatment following the diagnosis. Asbestos patients that are treated quickly and with a high degree of urgency have the greatest chance of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs along the lining that covers the abdomen, called the peritoneum. While this type of mesothelioma accounts for fewer cases than the most common form known as pleural mesothelioma is still a fatal disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or ingested are absorbed by the digestive system and then travel through the lymphatic system to reach the peritoneal tissues. Once there, they irritate cells and cause DNA damage. In time, the inflammation that results can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can take years to develop. It is also difficult to identify because its symptoms are similar to many other abdominal issues. This is why patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are mistakenly diagnosed or delayed treatment.
Those who suffer from peritoneal asbestos experience extreme abdominal discomfort, fever and weight loss. They may have trouble digesting food due to the buildup of fluid in their abdomen and are at a greater risk of developing anemia or low levels of albumin in their blood.
As with other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer with an examination. This procedure involves removing a small piece of affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests can reveal whether the tumors are in a state of remission or not, and the kind of cancerous cells that are present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a peritoneal phase to mesothelioma according to the location of the tumor, the extent of tumor growth, and rate of spreading to other tissues. The more extensive the tumors and the more aggressive cell type, the more advanced the mesothelioma’s stage.
Mesothelioma sufferers should consult a mesothelioma doctor who has specialized training for this rare condition. Without such a physician, patients risk being misdiagnosed with a more common abdomen problem and receiving delayed treatment. This can be a serious issue because mesothelioma has a long time of latency and requires a thorough diagnosis to ensure that the right treatment is given.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients may be diagnosed with pericardial cancer in addition to pleural or peritoneal asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of cancer develops when asbestos fibers get into the heart’s lining. It can be difficult to determine the cause because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma should be advised to inform their physicians about their asbestos exposure history and any symptoms that have occurred recently.
Like pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma usually affects men more often than women. Researchers aren’t sure of the root cause for this distinction. It could be that different asbestos exposures trigger mesothelioma pericardial, or the risk of developing the disease increases with the age of one.
After an examination of the body and questioning the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a doctor may suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor can then request an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to determine whether there is evidence of a build-up of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial Mesothelioma develops typically in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be very serious and can interfere with a patient’s quality of life. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. In some cases the fluid can build-up and put pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related ailments can help patients and families get the money they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos settlement-related illnesses can look over the patient’s exposure history and connect them with a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos patients in New York City and across the nation should consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients with filing an action for compensation. Contact us now for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the lining of organs in the chest, abdomen or the heart. It can also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Rarely, mesothelioma occurs in other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, stomach, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the chest wall or lungs. However, mesothelioma can be found in the abdominal cavity as well as the interior of the heart (pericardium).
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos legal (click through the following web page) exposure. Blue-collar workers as well as the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was dangerous, but they didn’t warn their employees or disclose dangers. Asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, power plants and the military during the 1930s and into the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The majority of mesothelioma cases don’t manifest until several years after exposure. Most often, the disease is not properly diagnosed. It could take between 20 and 60 years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs can be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the disease is rare and because its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases, such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will look over your medical history in order to identify mesothelioma as well as other health problems. They will ask about your work history and whether you’ve been exposed asbestos. Mesothelioma is more frequent among those who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos.
Mesothelioma treatment options are contingent upon the type and severity of the disease. In most instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatment options. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy is another option to treat mesothelioma. However the research is in its infancy.