Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
The linings of the major organs are affected, but most often in the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers which get stuck in the lining of the body.
A person can develop mesothelioma lawyers symptoms for years after the initial exposure. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can become trapped in the lungs or other body tissues. They can remain there for decades and cause the tissue to expand in a different way and develop tumors. The mesothelioma that results can spread to other areas.
The chest cavity's lining (pleura) and lung is the most commonly encountered mesothelioma site. This is called pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed later than lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases since symptoms can take several years to show up. This makes it more difficult to diagnose.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Asbestos patients might also experience fever, fatigue or weight loss. This can lead to a misdiagnosis, or a delay in seeking medical treatment. After exposure to asbestos, it can take up to 50 years before mesothelioma begins to develop. It is diagnosed most often in those over 65 years old particularly males and those who were born male.
To determine the presence of mesothelioma in a patient doctors first rule out any other conditions. They then take a sample of the affected area to be examined. The sample is analyzed for the presence of mesothelioma cells that are malignant. This test helps determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid which accounts for the majority of all cases, or sarcomatoid which is less frequent but has a lower prognosis.
In addition to a physical exam, doctors can also perform imaging tests to examine the lung and other tissues for signs of mesothelioma attorneys. A chest CT scan can reveal calcium or fluid deposits in the lungs, or between the lungs and the chest wall. The scan could also show whether the lungs are enlarged or if scarring has developed from previous inflammation. This is a different sign of Mesothelioma. A Postron emission tomography (PET) scan can also help detect mesothelioma and its stage. It can also identify whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is triggered by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of microscopic fibers that were once widely used in the construction industry. Exposure occurs when asbestos fibres are inhaled and then become stuck in the lungs. Mesothelioma symptoms can manifest up to 20 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. Tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to asbestos even if the exposure was short or indirect. The disease can be difficult to identify.
A doctor will examine and document your medical history. They might also conduct imaging tests, like chest X-rays or CT scans. They can reveal an increase in pleural thickness and fluid accumulation, as well as other signs of abnormalities. MRI and PET scans are often used because they can see soft tissues like diaphragm and lungs more clear. These scans can also help identify cancer cells.
Blood tests can also be used to check for elevated levels of specific chemicals linked to mesothelioma, such as fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptides. These tests are useful in cases where mesothelioma has regressed to the lungs, since they could help doctors determine where the cancer is located. Lastly, a lung biopsy can help determine if you have mesothelioma. This involves inserting a needle into your lungs to remove a small amount of tissue to test.
Mesothelioma is diagnosed in various stages, however those who are diagnosed later have a lower chance of surviving. This is due to the fact that the cancer has likely already developed prior to the time it is found. Doctors will still try to treat the underlying condition, but it is usually more focused on managing symptoms and improving comfort.
The type of mesothelioma that you have will determine what kind of treatment is recommended. For example, pleural mesothelioma affects the lung's lining, while peritoneal mesothelioma is a problem with the membrane around the stomach. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more common than others, however they all develop as the result of exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma cannot be prevented however you can lower your risk by not smoking and staying clear of jobs that contain asbestos.
Treatment
People who worked in industries that employed asbestos, for example manufacturing, shipbuilding, and construction between the 1930s and 1980s are at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure happens when tiny fibers are inhaled or consumed and are trapped inside the tissue linings of the chest, abdomen testicles, and the heart. After a long period of exposure, these fibers cause the tissues to become inflamed and lead to tumors. The tumors grow into cancer, and then can spread to other areas of the body.
mesothelioma lawsuits is an extremely rare condition. It takes decades before symptoms show up and is usually diagnosed in advanced stages. It is often mistakenly identified as lung cancer, bronchitis or other respiratory diseases because its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
A doctor can determine the condition by looking over the medical records of the patient and executing certain tests. A doctor can also collect samples of fluid or tissue from the affected area during a biopsy. The samples are examined with a magnifying glass to confirm mesothelioma.
A doctor will then recommend treatments once mesothelioma has been diagnosed. The type of cancer and its stage will determine the type of treatment recommended.
If the mesothelioma is in the beginning stages, surgery may be used to remove the tumor and stop it from returning. This can extend the patient's lifespan.
In most instances, pleural cancer is diagnosed at a later stage when it has already expanded to other organs. In these cases, doctors will focus on treating the patient's symptoms.
Mesothelioma treatment may include radiation, chemotherapy, or both. The type of treatment that a patient receives will depend on the mesothelioma's type, stage and other factors such as their health, age and fitness. Patients with a good outlook are more likely to undergo aggressive surgical treatment or receive newer targeted treatments in clinical trials. There may be financial compensation available to pay for mesothelioma treatment. To learn about your eligibility to file a lawsuit contact a mesothelioma attorney (click here to investigate) today for a free case review.
Prognosis
The mesothelioma latency time is lengthy and patients may have symptoms for a long time before being diagnosed. By the time doctors diagnose the cancer, it has often been able to spread and made treatment difficult. A prognosis is a doctor's estimate of how far the cancer has spread and what options for treatment are available.
Mesothelioma can affect people who have been exposed to asbestos at work. Exposure to asbestos can occur in a variety of places like mining, shipbuilding, construction or even during asbestos abatement. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in the lungs and other organs, leading to tissue damage. This damage can cause mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses over the course of decades.
Asbestos sufferers should consult their doctor about their exposure to asbestos and have regular physical examinations. This is particularly crucial for people who worked in the construction industry, shipbuilding or mining, or have relatives who were employed in these areas. The doctor can inquire about the history of a person's any disease or condition related to exposure to asbestos and symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. A patient may be advised to undergo a series imaging tests, including the CT or MRI scan, or blood and/or urine testing.
Chest Xrays can reveal anomalies that may indicate mesothelioma. The pleura is thickened and the fluid between the lungs.
X-rays, in addition to other diagnostic tests, can help doctors determine where the mesothelioma is and its nature. The type of cell found in the mesothelioma may also affect the survival rate.
The life expectancy of mesothelioma is 12-21 months, but patients can improve their odds of survival through treatments that shrink the size of tumors and slow down the spread of cancer. The options for treatment include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Patients with a mesothelioma diagnosis should not base their lives on statistics. Survival rates can be misleading and don't take into account a patient's unique situation. People with a pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma may live longer than national averages, as are patients with a pre-clinical diagnosis and those receiving multimodal therapy.