Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers inflame and harm the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Then these abnormal cells transform into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years to be noticed and are often confused with other diseases. An asbestos-related history is the only known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest wall and lungs. This type of mesothelioma is distinguished by symptoms like chest pain, coughing, and breathing problems. In addition there are some patients who experience a buildup of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall, known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. Over time, the irritated lining forms tumors that develop into the pleura. The tumors can grow to the peritoneum and bones, as well as to the liver.
It typically takes 20 to 50 years for a person to develop pleural cancer following exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at the most risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers as well as veterans working on ships and shipyards are at risk in particular.
It can take a few weeks for a doctor to diagnose the condition of pleural asbestosis. It is possible to experience breathing problems or coughing, dry chest pain, and fatigue. This condition may also result in a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma after taking a history of the patient's asbestos exposure and performing a physical exam. Chest X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out. These tests can reveal a an accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lung's.
The first step in treating mesothelioma pleural is to drain the excess fluid. Doctors can accomplish this by a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. This tube allows doctors to observe the area and take an ounce of fluid from the pleural. The fluid can be tested by a doctor to determine whether it is cancerous.
The prognosis for pleural tumors is contingent on a variety of factors, such as the stage and extent of the cancer. A patient's age and whether they smoke may affect the prognosis. The general health of a person and how quickly they seek medical care following a diagnosis may impact their chance of survival. Asbestos sufferers who seek treatment early and promptly have the best chance of a successful outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the lining that covers the abdomen, called the peritoneum. Although this form of mesothelioma has a lower incidence than the most prevalent form known as pleural mesothelioma is still a deadly disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos while working. This is because ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed by the digestive tract and then pass through the lymphatic system and into the peritoneal tissue. Once inside they cause DNA damage and irritation to the cells. Over time the inflammation that occurs causes scar tissue and tumours to form.
As with other mesothelioma forms, peritoneal mesothelioma can take years to manifest. It is also a difficult cancer to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. Therefore, patients with peritoneal msothelioma are often not diagnosed correctly and are delayed in their treatment.
Patients with peritoneal asbestosis experience extreme abdominal pain and fever, as well as weight loss. They may have trouble digesting food due to the accumulation of abdominal fluid and are at a greater risk of developing anemia, or low levels of albumin in their blood.
Similar to other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer with an examination. The goal of this procedure is to remove only a small portion of the affected tissue for examination under an microscope by mesothelioma lawsuit specialists. These tests can determine if the tumors are aggressive or not, and the type of cancerous cells present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a peritoneal phase to mesothelioma based on the location of the tumor, the extent of growth and rate of spreading to other tissues. The larger the tumors and the more aggressive the cell type and the more advanced mesothelioma stage.
Patients with mesothelioma must consult an expert doctor who is specially trained in this rare condition. Without such a physician, patients risk being misdiagnosed with a more common abdomen problem and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a problem because mesothelioma is a cancer that has a long latent period. It requires a meticulous diagnostic process to ensure the appropriate treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
external pagePatients may be diagnosed with pericardial tumors in addition to pleural or peritoneal asbestos-related cancer. This rare type of cancer develops when asbestos fibers get into the heart's lining. The condition can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Patients who experience mesothelioma pericardial should report their history of exposure to asbestos to their medical professionals and discuss any new symptoms with them.
Similar to pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma typically affects men more frequently than women. Researchers aren't sure of the reason for this difference. Researchers are not sure what causes this difference. It could be due to different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma attorneys or the risk increases with age.
A patient's doctor might start to suspect pericardial cancer after performing a physical exam and asking about their exposure to asbestos. The doctor may then ask for an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to determine whether there is evidence of the accumulation of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit develops typically in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be grave and could affect the quality of life of the patient. They can include chest pain, breathing problems and shortness of breath. In some cases, the fluid can accumulate and cause pressure on the heart and cause cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients and their families get the compensation they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related illnesses can look over the history of exposure for a patient and connect them with a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos patients in New York City or anywhere else should consult an attorney for mesothelioma to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients with filing a claim for compensation. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may affect the lining of organs like the abdomen, chest, or heart. It may also affect the lining of eyes (periocular) and testicles. Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other areas of the body, including the kidneys, stomach, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most common in the lungs or chest wall. Mesothelioma can also be found in the lining of your heart and the abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma's main cause is asbestos exposure. Blue-collar workers and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos producers knew asbestos was a risk, but they did not inform their employees or make clear the dangers. Asbestos was used widely in shipbuilding, construction, power plants and in the military from the 1930s through the 1980s. The exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma development, lung cancer and other asbestos-related ailments.
Most cases of mesothelioma do not manifest until years after exposure. It is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. The symptoms can develop between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure.
A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent cough or fluid in the lungs can be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because of its rarity and the fact that it may mimic many other illnesses like pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will collect an examination of your medical history to check for mesothelioma-related symptoms and other health issues. He or she will inquire about your work history, and whether you were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more common among those who worked in industries which handled or transported asbestos.
Mesothelioma treatment options vary based on the type and stage of the disease. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the main treatment options. Sometimes, radiation is used. Immunotherapy is an alternative method to treat mesothelioma. The research is in its early stages.