Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers cause irritation and cause damage to the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The abnormal cells then transform into tumors.
Symptoms of mesothelioma take 10 - 50 years to appear and are often confused with other diseases. A history of asbestos exposure is the only known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The lungs and chest wall are affected by pleural mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma generally suffer from symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulty and coughing. Additionally, some patients have the formation of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall, known as a pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers can irritate the tissues of the chest and lung. Over time, the irritated tissue forms tumors which 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 between 20 and 50 years for a person to develop pleural Mesothelioma. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at the most risk of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and those on ships and veterans are at risk.
It can take a few weeks before a doctor can diagnose the condition of pleural asbestosis. It is possible to experience breathing problems or coughing, dry chest pain and fatigue. The condition can also trigger a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma through a detailed history of the patient's exposure to asbestos and conducting a physical exam. Chest X-rays or CT scans are commonly performed. These tests can reveal a accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor around one of the lung's.
The first step to treat pleural msothelioma is draining the excess fluid. Doctors can do this through a procedure called thoracentesis, which involves inserting a small tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. This tube allows doctors to observe the area and take an ounce of pleural fluid. The fluid can be examined by a doctor to determine whether it is cancerous.
The prognosis of pleural cancer is based on a variety of factors, including the stage and size of the cancer. A patient's age as well as whether they smoke may influence the prognosis. The survival rate of a patient is also influenced by their general health and how quickly they seek treatment after an diagnosis. Asbestos victims who are treated early and aggressively have the best chance of a successful outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. This kind of mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma however it can still be fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in or consumed enter the digestive tract, and then move 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 resulting inflammation causes scar tissue and tumors to grow.
Peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is that can take years to develop. It is also difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to many other abdominal issues. This is why patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are misdiagnosed or delay treatment.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever as well as weight loss. They may have difficulty digesting food because of the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen. They are also at greater risk of developing anemia and have low levels of albumin.
As with other forms of mesothelioma. Doctors identify peritoneal mesothelioma with an examination. This involves the removal of a small piece of affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests can determine if the tumors are active or not, as well as the type of cancerous cells present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a stage to peritoneal mesothelioma in accordance with its location and the extent of tumor growth and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are, the more advanced stage the mesothelioma is.
Patients with mesothelioma lawyer should consult a specialist doctor who is specially trained in 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 with a long latent period. It requires a thorough screening process to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma are the most common types of asbestos-related cancers, patients may be diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pericardium. This rare type of cancer occurs when asbestos fibers invade the heart's lining. It can be difficult to identify because 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 recent symptoms.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more common for men than women. However, researchers are not sure of the cause for this distinction. It could be that different asbestos exposures cause mesothelioma of the pericardium, or that the likelihood of developing the disease increases with the age of one.
After a physical examination and asking the patient about their asbestos exposure, a doctor may suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor can then request an x-ray of the chest and CT scan to determine if there is any evidence of fluid accumulation around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that covers the heart. These symptoms can be serious and affect the patient's ability to live a normal life. They may include chest pain, breathing problems and shortness of breath. In certain cases, the fluid can accumulate and put pressure on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers are able to help patients and their families receive the justice they deserve when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma attorneys. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related ailments can review a patient's history of exposure and connect them with mesothelioma lawsuits specialists.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City and across the country should speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients with filing a compensation claim. Contact us now for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may affect the lining of organs like the chest, abdomen or the heart. It may also affect the lining of eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other parts of the human body, such as the kidneys, heart valves, stomach or kidneys, are rare cases where mesothelioma is a possibility. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the chest wall or lungs. Mesothelioma can also be found in the heart's lining and abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma is mostly caused by asbestos exposure. Blue-collar workers and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos producers knew asbestos was a risk, however they failed to warn their employees or disclose the risks. From the 1930s through the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.
In most cases mesothelioma doesn't show up until several years after exposure. The disease is often not properly diagnosed. It could take between 20 to 60 years for symptoms to show after exposure to asbestos.
Shortness of breath or chest discomfort, or persistent cough or fluid in the lungs can be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because the disease is so uncommon and its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases, such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will take an examination of your medical history to check for mesothelioma symptoms and other health issues. He or she will ask about your work history and whether you've been exposed asbestos. The people who worked in industries that handled asbestos or shipped asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who were not.
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the type of disease and its stage. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatment options. In certain instances there is radiation treatment. Immunotherapy is also used to treat mesothelioma. However, the research is still in its early stages.