Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers irritate and harm the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The abnormal cells then develop into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years for symptoms to be noticed and are often confused with other diseases. A history of asbestos exposure is the sole known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lung and chest wall. Patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma typically have symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. Some patients also have a fluid buildup between the lung and the chest wall known as an the pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the tissues of the chest and lung. As time passes the irritated lining develops tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors can expand to the peritoneum or bones, as well as to the liver.
After exposure to asbestos it can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop pleural mesothelioma. Anyone who was exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at the highest risk of developing this disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans working on ships or in shipyards are at risk in particular.
A patient may be afflicted with symptoms for a few weeks before doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and dry cough. The condition can also trigger a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A doctor can detect mesothelioma through a detailed history of the patient's asbestos exposure and performing a physical exam. X-rays of the chest or CT scans are possible. These tests may reveal fluid buildup in the chest cavity or a tumor that surrounds one of the lungs.
The first step in treating pleural mesothelioma is draining excess fluid. Doctors can do this through the procedure known as thoracentesis which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. This tube allows doctors to examine the area and then take an ounce of fluid in the pleural cavity. Doctors can then analyze the fluid to determine if it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis of a patient with mesothelioma of the pleural is based on several factors, including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The prognosis could be affected by the patient's age and whether smoking cigarettes or not. The general health of a person as well as the speed at which they seek medical treatment following a diagnosis may affect their survival rate. Asbestos patients treated aggressively and early have the highest chance of a favorable outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be found in the lining that covers the abdomen, called the peritoneum. This mesothelioma type is less common than pleural mesothelioma, but it can still be fatal. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the main reason for mesothelioma peritoneal. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed enter the digestive tract, and then move through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal tissues. Once inside, they irritate cells and cause DNA damage. As time passes, the resulting inflammation can cause scar tissue and tumors to develop.
As with other mesothelioma forms the peritoneal mesothelioma may take years to develop. It is also a difficult cancer to detect because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal disorders. This is why patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are misdiagnosed or delay treatment.
Patients with peritoneal asbestosis experience extreme abdominal discomfort and fever, as well as weight loss. They may experience difficulty digesting food due to the buildup of fluid in their abdomen and are at a higher chance of developing anemia or low levels of albumin in their blood.
Like other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer by taking the use of a biopsy. The purpose of this procedure is to take a small sample of the affected tissue for examination under an microscope by a mesothelioma specialist. 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 stage to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region depending on the location of the tumor and the extent of tumor growth and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are in the stage of advanced mesothelioma is.
Mesothelioma patients should always seek out a mesothelioma physician who has been trained specifically for this rare condition. Patients risk being misdiagnosed as having abdominal pain, and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a concern because mesothelioma is a cancer that has a long latent period. It requires a thorough diagnostic process to ensure the proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma are the most common forms of asbestos-related cancer patients can be diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pericardium. This rare form of cancer occurs when asbestos fibers infiltrate the heart's lining. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition because symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients with pericardial msothelioma are advised to inform their physicians about their asbestos exposure history and any recent symptoms.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more common for men than women. Researchers aren't sure of the cause of this distinction. Researchers aren't certain what is causing this difference. It could be due to different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.
A patient's physician may be able to detect pericardial mesothelioma after performing 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 if there is any evidence of the accumulation of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma attorney typically develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be extremely severe and may affect the quality of life of a patient. They can include chest pain, breathing problems and shortness of breath. In some instances, the fluid can build-up and cause an increase in pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help families and patients get the justice they deserve when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can review a patient's history of exposure and connect them with a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos victims in New York City and across the country should speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in submitting a compensation claim. Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
mesothelioma lawyer may affect the lining of organs like the chest, abdomen or heart. It can also occur in the eye's lining (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Other organs of the human body, like the heart valves, kidneys stomach, kidneys or stomach, are rare cases where mesothelioma may occur. Mesothelioma typically develops in the lungs and chest wall. However, mesothelioma may also be found in the abdominal cavity and the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers as well as the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos producers knew asbestos was hazardous, but they did not inform employees or make clear the dangers. From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.
Most mesothelioma cases don't manifest until several years after the exposure. It is often misdiagnosed as other diseases. It can take between 20 to 60 years for symptoms to show after exposure to asbestos.
A shortness of breath chest discomfort, a persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs are symptoms of mesothelioma. mesothelioma lawsuits is difficult to diagnose because of its rarity and the fact that it could mimic many other illnesses such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will review your medical history in order to identify mesothelioma as well as other health problems. The doctor will inquire about your working history and whether you've been exposed asbestos. Mesothelioma is more common among those who worked in industries that handled or shipped asbestos.
Mesothelioma treatment options vary based on the stage and type of the disease. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options. In certain cases radiation therapy is also used. Immunotherapy is a different option for treating mesothelioma. The research is still in its very early stages.