Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers inflame and cause damage to the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). In time the abnormal cells grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 - 50 years for symptoms to show up and are often confused with other illnesses. An asbestos-related history is the only known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lungs and chest wall. People diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma generally experience symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. Certain patients also have an accumulation of fluid between their lung and the wall of the chest which is known as an Pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers inflame the lung's lining and chest cavity. Over time the affected tissue develops tumors which grow into the pleura. The tumors may grow to the peritoneum and bones, and to the liver.
It can take between 20 and 50 years for someone to develop pleural mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed at work to asbestos are at the highest risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans working on ships and shipyards are especially at risk.
The patient could experience symptoms for several weeks prior to the doctor determines that pleural mesothelioma is the cause. The symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and a dry cough. This condition may also result in a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma following getting a patient's medical history of asbestos exposure and performing an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans can be taken. These tests can reveal fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lung's.
The first step to treat mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. This can be done by doctors through a procedure known as thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin, flexible tube between two ribs within the chest cavity. This tube allows doctors to observe the area and take an ounce of pleural fluid. A doctor will then test the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or not.
The prognosis of a patient with mesothelioma pleural depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The patient's age and smoking habits can affect the prognosis. The general health of a patient and the speed at which they seek medical treatment following a diagnosis may affect their survival rate. Asbestos patients treated quickly and with a high degree of urgency have the highest chance of a favorable outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Although this mesothelioma type is less prevalent than the most prevalent form known as pleural mesothelioma is still a fatal illness. Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos at work. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed are absorbed by the digestive system and then move through the lymphatic system and into the tissues of the peritoneal region. Once inside, they cause DNA damage and irritate the cells. In time the inflammation that occurs can cause scar tissue and tumors to develop.
Peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is that can take years to develop. It's also a challenging cancer to detect because its symptoms resemble many other abdominal problems. As a result, patients with peritoneal mesothelioma are often wrongly diagnosed or delay treatment.
People who have peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever, as well as weight loss. They may have difficulty digesting food due to the buildup of fluid in their abdomen and have a higher risk of developing anemia or low levels of albumin in their blood.
As with other types, doctors diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer with the use of a biopsy. The procedure involves removing a small piece of affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests can reveal whether the tumors are active or not, as well as the type of cancerous cells present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a stage for mesothelioma in the peritoneal region, depending on the location of the tumor and the extent of growth of the tumor and the rate of spreading to other tissues. The more extensive the tumors and the more aggressive the cell type, the more advanced the mesothelioma's stage.
Patients with mesothelioma should consult an expert doctor who is experienced in treating this rare illness. Patients risk being misdiagnosed as having an abdomen problem, and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a concern because mesothelioma can be a cancer with a long latent period. It requires a thorough screening process to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are among the most frequent forms of asbestos-related cancer patients can be diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This rare form of cancer occurs when asbestos fibers infiltrate the tissue of your heart. The condition can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients who experience mesothelioma of the pericardium should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos to their physicians and discuss any symptoms that have occurred recently with them.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the pericardial mesothelioma usually affects men more often than women. Researchers aren't sure of the root cause for this distinction. Researchers aren't sure what causes this difference. It could be due to different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.
A patient's doctor may start to suspect pericardial cancer after performing a physical exam and asking about their asbestos exposure. The physician can then request a chest x-ray and CT scan to see whether there is evidence of the accumulation of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma usually develops in the membrane that covers the heart. These symptoms can be very serious and affect the patient's ability to live an ordinary life. They can be accompanied by chest pain, breathing problems and shortness of breath. In certain cases the fluid may build up and put pressure on the heart and lead to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in
asbestos claim-related diseases can help patients and families receive the compensation they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can look over the history of exposure for a patient and refer them to a mesothelioma expert.
asbestos Legal victims in New York City and across the country should speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients with filing claims for compensation. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. No charge is made unless we are able to claim compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs in the abdomen, chest or heart. It may also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other parts of the human body like the heart valves, kidneys, stomach or kidneys, are uncommon cases in which mesothelioma can occur. Mesothelioma is most often found in the chest wall or lungs. Mesothelioma is also found in the heart's lining and abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma is mostly caused by
asbestos lawyer exposure. Blue-collar workers and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was dangerous, however they did not inform employees or disclose dangers. Asbestos was extensively used in shipbuilding, construction, power plants and the military during the 1930s and into the 1980s. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The majority of mesothelioma cases don't manifest until several years after exposure. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. The symptoms can manifest between 20 and 60 year after exposure to
asbestos compensation.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent cough or fluid in the lungs could be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because the disease is rare and because its symptoms are similar to those of other ailments, including lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will collect a medical history to check for mesothelioma symptoms and other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your employment history and if you've been exposed asbestos. The people who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos are more likely of developing mesothelioma than people who did not.
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type of disease and its stage. In most cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatments. In some cases radiation therapy is also used. Immunotherapy is a different option for treating mesothelioma. The research is still in its early stages.