Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers irritate and damage the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Eventually the abnormal cells grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years to be noticed and are often confused with other illnesses. The only known risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest wall and lungs. This type of mesothelioma is characterized by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Some patients also experience a fluid buildup between the chest wall and the lung which is known as an Pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers inflame the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. Over time the tissue that has been irritated forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors may spread to the peritoneum, bones, and the liver.
It can take between 20 and 50 years to develop pleural mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at highest risk of developing this disease. Blue-collar workers as well as veterans working on ships and in shipyards are at risk in particular.
The patient could experience symptoms for a few weeks before the doctor determines that pleural mesothelioma is the cause. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and a dry cough. A person with this condition may also have an unusually low temperature and weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma following getting a patient's medical history of exposure to asbestos and performing an examination. X-rays of the chest or CT scans may be performed. These tests can reveal fluid within the chest cavity or a tumor that is located near one of the lung's.
The first step to treat mesothelioma pleural is to drain the excess fluid. This can be accomplished by a doctor using the procedure known as thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin, flexible tube between two ribs in the chest cavity. The tube gives doctors the ability to look at the area and take a sample of pleural liquid. The fluid can be analyzed by an expert to determine if it is cancerous.
The prognosis for pleural tumors is contingent on a variety of factors, including the stage and size of the cancer. The prognosis can be affected by the patient's age as well as whether smoking cigarettes or not. The general health of a person as well as the speed at which they seek medical treatment after a diagnosis can also impact their chance of survival. Asbestos patients who receive treatment early and promptly have the greatest chances of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. While this type of mesothelioma is less prevalent than the most prevalent form, pleural mesothelioma, it is still a deadly disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to
asbestos law while working. This is because when ingested, or inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed by the digestive tract and then travel through the lymphatic system into the peritoneal tissue. Once inside, they cause DNA damage and can irritate the cells. Over time the inflammation that occurs can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Like other mesothelioma types, peritoneal mesothelioma can take years to manifest. It is also difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are similar to other abdominal problems. In the end, patients with peritoneal mesothelioma are often mistakenly diagnosed or delayed treatment.
Patients who suffer from peritoneal asbestos experience severe abdominal discomfort as well as fever and weight loss. They might be unable to digest food because of the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen. They are also at a higher-risk of developing anemia, and having low levels of albumin.
As with other types of mesothelioma. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma through the use of a biopsy. The goal of this procedure is to take an insignificant portion of the affected tissue for examination under an microscope by mesothelioma specialists. These tests can reveal whether the tumors are aggressive or not, and the kind of cancerous cells that are present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma based on the location of the tumor, the extent of 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 suffering from mesothelioma should see a specialist doctor specially trained in this rare condition. Without a specialist patients are at risk of being misdiagnosed as a more common abdomen problem and getting delayed treatment. This can be a serious issue due to mesothelioma's long latency period and requires a thorough diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Although peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma are among the most frequent forms of asbestos-related cancer Patients may be diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pericardium. This rare type of cancer develops when asbestos fibers infiltrate the lining of your heart. It can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients who experience pericardial mesothelioma should disclose their history of exposure to
asbestos to their doctors and discuss any symptoms that have occurred recently with them.
Like pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is usually seen in men more frequently than women. Researchers are unsure of the root cause for this difference. Researchers aren't certain what causes this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.
A patient's doctor might begin to suspect pericardial mesothelioma after conducting a physical examination and asking about their asbestos exposure. The physician can request a CT scan and chest x-ray to determine if there are any signs of fluid accumulation around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that typically affects the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be very grave and could affect the quality of life of a patient. They can include chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. In some cases the fluid can build-up and put an increase in pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related ailments can assist families and patients receive the financial compensation they need when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can examine the history of exposure for a patient and refer them with a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos patients living in New York City or anywhere else should consult an attorney for mesothelioma to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in filing an insurance claim. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may affect the lining of organs such as 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 or kidneys, are rare cases where mesothelioma is a possibility. Mesothelioma is most common in the chest wall or lungs. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the abdominal cavity and the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Mesothelioma is mostly caused by asbestos exposure. People working in blue-collar industries as well as the military were exposed to massive amounts of
asbestos attorney in the United States.
asbestos settlement producers knew
asbestos was hazardous, but did not warn their employees or disclose the risks. Asbestos was extensively used in construction, shipbuilding power plants and in the military from the 1930s to the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer.
In the majority of cases, mesothelioma does not appear until years after exposure. Most often, the disease is not properly diagnosed. The symptoms can manifest between 20 and 60 year after exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, or fluid in the lung. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is so uncommon and its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases, such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will review your medical history in order to detect mesothelioma and other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your employment history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more common for those who worked in industries which handled or shipped asbestos.
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type of disease and its stage. In most cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatments. Radiation is sometimes used. Immunotherapy is also used to treat mesothelioma. The research is in its early stages.
