Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, when they cause irritation or damage to the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). Eventually these abnormal cells transform into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take between 10 and 50 years to manifest and are often misinterpreted as other diseases. A history of asbestos exposure is the only known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and chest wall. The mesothelioma type is distinguished by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Some patients also experience a fluid buildup between the lung and the chest wall known as an pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the linings of the chest and lung. As time passes, the irritated tissue forms tumors which grow into the pleura. The tumors may expand to the peritoneum or bones, and to the liver.
It can take between 20 and 50 years for someone to develop pleural mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. The people who were exposed in the workplace to asbestos are at the highest chance of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans who work on ships and in shipyards are especially at risk.
It may take several weeks for a doctor to diagnose the condition as pleural asbestosis. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and a dry cough. This condition may also result in a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma following getting a patient's medical history of asbestos exposure and then conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are commonly carried out. These tests can reveal fluid buildup in the chest cavity or a tumor that surrounds one of the lungs.
The first step in treating pleural msothelioma involves draining the excess fluid. This can be done by doctors using the procedure known as thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin, flexible tube between two ribs in the chest cavity. This tube provides doctors with the ability to look at the area and collect samples of pleural fluid. A doctor can then test the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or not.
The prognosis for pleural tumors is based on a variety of factors, such as the stage and severity of the cancer. The patient's age and smoking habits can influence the prognosis. The general health of a person and how quickly they seek medical treatment after a diagnosis can also impact their chance of survival. Asbestos patients who receive treatment early and promptly have the greatest chance of a good outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be found in the lining that covers the abdomen, called the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less frequent than pleural mesothelioma but it is still fatal. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the primary reason for peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in or ingested are absorbed by the digestive system and then travel through the lymphatic system and into the tissues of the peritoneal region. Once inside they cause DNA damage and irritation to the cells. As time passes, the inflammation that results can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Like other mesothelioma types Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form that can take years to develop. It is also difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal issues. As a result, patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are wrongly diagnosed or delay treatment.
Those who suffer from peritoneal asbestos experience extreme abdominal pain as well as fever and weight loss. They may have difficulty digesting food because of the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen. They also are at greater risk of developing anemia and have low levels of albumin.
Similar to other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer by taking a biopsy. This procedure involves removing an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests can determine if the tumors are aggressive or not, and the type of cancerous cells present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a stage for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region based on its location and size, as well as the extent of tumor growth, and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The more extensive and aggressive the cancerous cells are and the more advanced mesothelioma is.
mesothelioma attorney victims should always consult a mesothelioma doctor who has specialized training for this rare condition. Patients are at risk of being misdiagnosed as having an abdominal problem, and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a serious issue due to mesothelioma's long latency period and requires a precise diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients may be diagnosed with pericardial tumors in addition to pleural or peritoneal asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of the disease is caused by asbestos fibers that invade the heart's lining. The condition can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients who suffer from pericardial mesothelioma lawyer should disclose the history of exposure to asbestos to their doctors and share any recent symptoms with them.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the pericardial mesothelioma is usually seen in men more often than women. Researchers are unsure of the reason for this difference. Researchers are not sure what causes this difference. It could be due to different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.
A patient's doctor might start to suspect pericardial cancer after conducting a physical exam and asking about their asbestos exposure. The doctor can then request an x-ray of the chest and CT scan to see whether there is evidence of fluid accumulation around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be serious and affect the patient's ability to lead an ordinary life. They can be accompanied by chest pain, breathing difficulties and breath shortness. In some instances, the fluid may build up and put tension on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can help patients and families receive the financial compensation they need when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related diseases can examine the history of exposure for a patient and connect them with a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City or anywhere else should consult a mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients when making an action for compensation. Contact us now for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs of the abdomen, chest or heart. It can also occur in the lining of the eyes (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma lawsuit). In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other areas of the body, like the stomach, kidneys, or heart valves. Mesothelioma typically develops in the chest wall and lungs. Mesothelioma can also be found in the lining of your heart and abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Blue-collar workers and the military were exposed to massive amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos producers knew asbestos was dangerous, but they didn't warn their employees of the dangers or inform them about the risks. Asbestos was extensively used in shipbuilding, construction power plants, and the military from the 1930s to the 1980s. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer.
The majority of mesothelioma cases don't manifest until several years after exposure. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. It can take between 20 and 60 years for symptoms to show after exposure to asbestos.
Shortness of breath or chest discomfort, or persistent cough or fluids in the lungs could be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is so rare and because its symptoms resemble many other diseases, such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will examine your medical history in order to identify mesothelioma as well as other health problems. They will ask about your employment history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. Workers in industries that handled or transported asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than those who were not.
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the type of cancer and its stage. In most instances, surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatment options. In certain instances radiation therapy is also used. Immunotherapy can also be used to treat mesothelioma. However the research is in its infancy.