Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers inflame and cause damage to the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The abnormal cells then transform into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 and 50 years to manifest, and are often mistaken for other diseases. The only known risk factor is a history of asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung and chest wall. The mesothelioma type is identified by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Additionally there are some patients who experience the formation of fluid in the lung's space and chest wall, known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers inflame the lining of the lung and chest cavity. In time the lining that has been irritated forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors can grow to the peritoneum, bones, and liver.
It usually takes between 20 and 50 years for a person to develop pleural mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at most risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans who work on ships and shipyards are particularly at risk.
It may take several weeks before a doctor can diagnose pleural asbestosis. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and dry cough. This condition may also result in a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A physician can identify mesothelioma through a detailed history of the patient's asbestos exposure and conducting a physical examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are usually performed. These tests can reveal an accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lungs.
The first step to treat pleural msothelioma is draining the excess fluid. Doctors can do this with a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a small tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. The tube lets doctors examine the area and then take samples of the pleural fluid. The fluid can be examined by a doctor to determine whether it is cancerous.
The prognosis for pleural tumors is contingent on a variety of factors, including the stage and size of the cancer. The patient's age and whether they smoke can also impact prognosis. The general health of a patient and how quickly they seek medical attention after being diagnosed can impact their chance of survival. Asbestos victims who are treated early and promptly have the best chance of a successful outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Although this form of mesothelioma has a lower incidence than the most prevalent form called pleural mesothelioma is still a fatal illness. Work-related exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers enter the digestive tract, then travel through the lymphatic system into the peritoneal tissue. Once they are there, they cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. As time passes the inflammation that follows can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Like other mesothelioma types the peritoneal mesothelioma may take years to develop. It is also difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. In the end, patients with peritoneal mesothelioma are often mistakenly diagnosed or delayed 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 greater risk of developing anemia or low levels of albumin in their blood.
As with other types of mesothelioma, doctors detect peritoneal mesothelioma by taking an examination. The purpose of this procedure is to take only a small portion of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope by mesothelioma attorney specialists. These tests can identify the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid or epithelioid) and determine the severity of the tumors.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma according to its location, amount of tumor growth, and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The more extensive and aggressive the cancerous cells are in the stage of advanced mesothelioma is.
Patients with mesothelioma must consult a specialist doctor who is specially trained in this rare condition. Patients risk being misdiagnosed as having an abdominal problem and receiving treatment later. This can be a serious problem because mesothelioma is a long latency period and requires a thorough diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients may be diagnosed with pericardial tumors in addition to peritoneal or pleural asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of disease develops when asbestos fibers invade the tissue of the heart. It can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients with pericardial msothelioma are advised to inform their doctors about their asbestos exposure history and any recent symptoms.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than in women. However, researchers aren't sure what causes this difference. It could be that different asbestos exposures trigger pericardial mesothelioma, or the chance of developing the disease increases with the advancing years.
After an examination of the body and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a physician may suspect pericardial carcinoma. The physician can then request an x-ray of the chest and CT scan to determine whether there is evidence of the accumulation of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be serious and affect the patient's ability to live a normal life. The symptoms include chest discomfort breathing problems, breathlessness or shortness. In some instances, the fluid can build up and pressure on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers are able to help patients and their families receive the amount they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses will review a patient's history of exposure and refer them to mesothelioma specialists.
Asbestos patients in New York City and across the nation should consult an experienced mesothelioma attorneys attorney to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients in making an action for compensation. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may affect the lining of organs in the chest, abdomen, or the heart. It may also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other parts of the body, like the kidneys, stomach, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most common in the chest wall or lungs. Mesothelioma also occurs in the tissue of your heart and abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Workers in blue-collar industries and the military were exposed to large amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos producers knew asbestos was dangerous, but they did not inform employees of the dangers or inform them about the dangers. From the 1930s until the 1980s, asbestos was extensively employed in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. The exposure to asbestos can result in the development of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses.
In most cases, mesothelioma does not appear until several years after exposure. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. The symptoms can manifest between 20 and 60 year after asbestos exposure.
Symptoms of mesothelioma lawyer can include breathlessness chest pain, persistent cough, or fluid in the lung. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is so uncommon and its symptoms resemble many other diseases, such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will collect an medical history to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms and other health issues. He or she will inquire about your work background, as well as whether or not you were exposed to asbestos. The people who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos are more likely of developing mesothelioma than those who did not.
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the type of cancer and its stage. In most cases, surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatments. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy is an alternative method to treat mesothelioma. The research is still in the very early stages of its development.