Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers inflame and harm the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). In time, these abnormal cells develop into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 to 50 years to appear and are often confused with other illnesses. The only risk factor that is known is a history of asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The lungs and the chest wall are affected by pleural mesothelioma. This kind of mesothelioma is characterized by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Certain patients also have a fluid buildup between the chest wall and the lung known as a Pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. As time passes, the irritated tissue forms tumors which grow into the pleura. The tumors may spread to the peritoneum, bones, and liver.
After asbestos exposure it could take between 20 and 50 year for a person develop pleural Mesothelioma. People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at the greatest risk of developing this disease. Blue-collar workers as well as veterans working on ships or in shipyards are especially at risk.
It can take a few weeks before a doctor can diagnose the condition as pleural asbestosis. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and dry cough. A patient with this condition might also experience an unusually low temperature and weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma lawsuits following getting a patient's medical background on asbestos exposure and performing an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are possible. These tests can reveal fluid within the chest cavity or a tumor that is located near one of the lungs.
The first step in treating pleural msothelioma is to drain the excess fluid. This can be accomplished by doctors through a procedure known as thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin, flexible tube between two ribs within the chest cavity. The tube lets doctors observe the area and take an ounce of pleural fluid. A doctor can then test the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis for patients with pleural mesothelioma depends on several factors such as the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The patient's age and whether they smoke may also impact prognosis. The survival rate of a patient is also affected by their overall health and the speed at which they seek treatment following an diagnosis. Asbestos patients treated quickly and with a high degree of urgency have the best chances of a favorable outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the lining that covers the abdomen, called the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less frequent than pleural mesothelioma, but it can still be fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure at work. This is because ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed by the digestive tract and then travel through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal tissue. Once inside they cause DNA damage and irritation to the cells. Over time, the resulting inflammation causes scar tissue and tumors to develop.
Like other forms of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can take years to manifest. It is also difficult to identify because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. Thus, patients with peritoneal Msothelioma are often misdiagnosed and delayed in their treatment.
People who suffer from peritoneal asbestos experience extreme abdominal pain as well as fever and weight loss. They may have trouble digesting food due to the buildup of abdominal fluid and have a higher chance of developing anemia or low levels of albumin in their blood.
As with other types of mesothelioma. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma through the use of a biopsy. This involves the removal of the affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests can identify the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid or epithelioid) and determine the severity of the tumors.
Doctors assign a stage to peritoneal mesothelioma in accordance with its location, the amount of tumor growth and the rate of spreading to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are, the more advanced stage mesothelioma lawyer has reached.
Mesothelioma sufferers should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has specialized training for this rare condition. Patients may be being misdiagnosed as having abdominal pain, and receiving delayed treatment. This can be a serious problem because mesothelioma is a long time of latency and requires a thorough diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients could be diagnosed with pericardial cancer in addition to peritoneal or pleural asbestos-related cancer. This rare type of disease occurs when asbestos fibers infiltrate the heart's lining. The condition can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Patients with pericardial msothelioma are advised to inform their physicians about their asbestos exposure history as well as any symptoms that have occurred recently.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Researchers are unsure of the cause of this difference. Researchers aren't certain what causes this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.
After an examination of the body and questioning the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a physician might suspect pericardial cancer. The physician can request a CT scan and chest xray to determine if there are any signs of fluid accumulation around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs mostly in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be serious and interfere with the patient's ability a normal life. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and breath shortness. In some instances, the fluid can accumulate and put an increase in pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients and their families get the amount they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can review the patient's history of exposure and connect them with a mesothelioma lawsuits expert.
Asbestos patients in New York City or anywhere else should speak with a mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients with filing claims for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs of the chest, abdomen, or heart. It may also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other areas of the body, like the kidneys, stomach, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most common in the chest wall or lungs. However, mesothelioma can be found in the abdominal cavity and the interior of the heart (pericardium).
Asbestos exposure is the most common reason for mesothelioma. Workers in blue-collar industries and the military were exposed to massive amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was a risk, but they did not inform their employees or inform them of the dangers. From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was extensively used in construction, shipbuilding and power plants. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are not diagnosed until years after the exposure. Most often, the disease is misdiagnosed. The symptoms can develop between 20 and 60 year after asbestos exposure.
A shortness of breath chest discomfort, a persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs could be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its rarity as well as the fact that it may mimic many other illnesses such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will examine your medical history to find mesothelioma or other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your employment background, as well as whether you were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who worked in industries which handled or transported asbestos.
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type of disease and its stage. In most cases, surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatments. Sometimes, radiation is used. Immunotherapy can also be used to treat mesothelioma. The research is in its early stages.