Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers irritate and damage the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). These abnormal cells can develop into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years to be noticed and are often confused with other ailments. An asbestos-related history is the only known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lung and chest wall. Patients diagnosed with this form of mesothelioma typically have symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing. In addition, some patients have an accumulation of fluid in the lung's cavity and chest wall, referred to as a the pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma is a condition that occurs 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 spread to the peritoneum, bones, and liver.
After asbestos exposure it could take between 20 and 50 years to develop pleural mesothelioma. Anyone who was exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at most risk of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and crews on ships and veterans, are at risk.
The patient could experience symptoms for several weeks before the doctor determines that pleural mesothelioma is the cause. The 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 obtaining a patient's history of asbestos exposure and performing an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are commonly performed. These tests can reveal fluid within the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lungs.
The first step to treat pleural msothelioma involves draining the excess fluid. Doctors can accomplish this by a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a small tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. The tube gives doctors the ability to look at the area and collect the pleural fluid sample. Doctors can then analyze the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or non-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 and whether they smoke may influence the prognosis. The rate of survival for a person is also affected by their overall health and how quickly they seek treatment following a diagnosis. Asbestos patients that are treated quickly and with a high degree of urgency have the greatest chance of a positive 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 but it can still be fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos at work. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in or consumed enter the digestive system, and then move through the lymphatic system to the tissue of the peritoneal area. Once they are there, they cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. As time passes, the inflammation that results can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Like other mesothelioma types the peritoneal mesothelioma may take years to develop. cicero asbestos lawyer is also difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. In the end, patients with peritoneal mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed or delay treatment.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma experience severe abdominal pain and fever, and weight loss. They might have difficulty digesting food because of the buildup of fluid in their abdomen. They also have the risk of developing anemia, and having low levels of albumin.
As with other forms of mesothelioma. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma through an examination. The aim of this procedure is to take an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under an microscope by mesothelioma specialists. These tests can reveal the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) and also determine the severity of the tumors.
Doctors assign a stage to peritoneal mesothelioma based on its location and size, as well as the extent of tumor growth and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more extensive and aggressive the cancerous cells are and the more advanced the mesothelioma is.
Patients with mesothelioma must consult a specialist doctor experienced in treating this rare illness. Without such a physician, patients risk being misdiagnosed with an abdomen issue that is more common and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a serious issue due to mesothelioma's long time of latency and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure the proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients could be diagnosed with pericardial cancer in addition to peritoneal or pleural asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of disease is caused by asbestos fibers that are found in the lining of the heart. It is often difficult to determine the cause because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients suffering from pericardial msothelioma are advised to tell their doctors about their asbestos exposure history and any recent signs.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more common in men than in women. Researchers aren't sure of the reason for this difference. It could be that different asbestos exposures trigger pericardial mesothelioma, or the likelihood 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 might suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor can request a CT scan and chest x-rays to find out if there are signs of fluid accumulation around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be extremely severe and may affect a patient's quality of life. They can be accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. In some cases the fluid may build up and put pressure on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist families and patients get the compensation they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related ailments can examine a patient's past of exposure and connect them with mesothelioma specialists.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City and across the country should talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in submitting an insurance claim. Contact us today for a free 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 can also be found in the lining of the eyes (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, stomach or heart valves. Mesothelioma most commonly develops in the chest wall and lungs. Mesothelioma can also be found in the heart's lining and abdominal cavity.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers as well as the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos producers knew asbestos was hazardous, but they didn't warn their employees or disclose risks. Asbestos was used widely in construction, shipbuilding, power plants and the military from the 1930s through the 1980s. The exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma development, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses.
In most cases mesothelioma is not diagnosed until years after exposure. Often, the illness is not properly diagnosed. It can take between 20 and 60 years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Shortness of breath or chest discomfort, or persistent cough or fluids in the lungs are symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because of its rarity and the fact that it can be a sign of many other illnesses, such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will conduct an medical history to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms and other health issues. He or she will ask about your employment history and if you've been exposed asbestos. Mesothelioma is more frequent for those who worked in industries that handled or shipped asbestos.
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, radiation is used. Immunotherapy is also used to treat mesothelioma. The research is still in its very early stages.