Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers inflame and harm 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 - 50 years to show up and are often confused with other illnesses. The only risk factor that is known is a history of asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The lungs and chest wall are affected by pleural mesothelioma. People diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma generally suffer from symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulty and coughing. Some patients also experience an accumulation of fluid between their lung and the wall of the chest known as a pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the linings of the chest and lung. Over time, the irritated tissue forms tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors may expand to the peritoneum or bones, and to the liver.
It can take between 20 and 50 years for someone to develop pleural cancer following exposure to asbestos. Those who were exposed at work to asbestos are at the greatest risk of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and those on ships as well as veterans are at risk.
A patient may be afflicted with symptoms for a few weeks before a doctor diagnoses pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and dry cough. This condition may also result in a lower temperature and an unanswered loss of weight. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma after taking a history of the patient's exposure to asbestos and performing a physical exam. The chest may be examined with X-rays, or CT scans are possible. These tests may reveal an accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity or a tumor that surrounds one of the lung's.
The first step to treating mesothelioma pleural is to drain 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 lets doctors examine the area and collect an ounce of fluid in the pleural cavity. A doctor can then test the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
A patient's prognosis for mesothelioma of the pleural is based on several factors, including the stage of the tumor as well as the extent of the cancer. A patient's age as well as whether they smoke can affect the prognosis. The general health of a patient and the speed at which they seek medical care following a diagnosis may impact their chance of survival. Asbestos sufferers who seek treatment early and with a high degree of urgency have the greatest chance of a successful outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma however it is still fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos at work. Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed enter the digestive tract, and then move through the lymphatic system and into the tissues of the peritoneal region. Once there, they irritate cells and damage DNA. In time, the inflammation causes scar tissue and tumors to develop.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that can take years to develop. It can also be a difficult cancer to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal problems. This is why patients with peritoneal mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed or delay treatment.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever, and weight loss. They may have difficulty digesting food because of the fluid buildup in their abdomen. They are also at greater risk of developing anemia, and having low levels of albumin.
As with other types, doctors identify the presence of peritoneal cancer with an examination. The goal of this procedure is to take a small sample of the affected area to be examined under a microscope by mesothelioma specialists. These tests will reveal the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) and also determine the severity of the tumors.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage to mesothelioma depending on its location, amount of tumor growth, and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are and the more advanced mesothelioma has reached.
Patients with mesothelioma should consult a specialist doctor experienced in treating this rare illness. Without a specialist patients run the risk of being misdiagnosed with a more common abdomen problem and getting delayed treatment. This could be a major issue due to mesothelioma's long time of latency and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure that the right treatment is given.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients may be diagnosed with pericardial tumors in addition to peritoneal or pleural asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of the disease is caused by asbestos fibers that invade the heart's lining. The condition can be difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients suffering from pericardial msothelioma are advised to tell their doctors about their asbestos exposure history as well as any symptoms that have occurred recently.
Similar to pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma is usually seen in males more frequently than females. However, researchers are not 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 age of one.
A patient's doctor may be able to detect pericardial mesothelioma after performing a physical exam and asking about their asbestos exposure. The doctor may then ask for an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to see if there is any evidence of a build-up 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. arlington asbestos law firm can include chest pain, breathing problems and breath shortness. In some instances, the fluid can build-up and cause pressure on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can assist families and patients receive the compensation they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can look over the patient's exposure history and connect them to a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos victims in New York City and across the nation should consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients with filing a claim for compensation. Contact us now for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs in the abdomen, chest or the heart. It can also be found in the lining of the eyes (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, stomach or heart valves. Mesothelioma most commonly develops in the lungs and chest wall. However, mesothelioma may also be found in the abdominal cavity and the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Mesothelioma's main cause is asbestos exposure. Blue-collar workers as well as the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos producers were aware that asbestos was dangerous, but they did not inform employees or make clear the dangers. From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Exposure to asbestos could result in mesothelioma development, lung cancer and other asbestos-related ailments.
In the majority of cases, mesothelioma does not appear until several years after exposure. It is often misdiagnosed with other conditions. It could take between 20 to 60 years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms can include breathlessness and chest pain, as well as persistent cough, or fluids in the lungs. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its rarity and the fact that it can be a sign of many other illnesses, such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will examine your medical history in order to detect mesothelioma and other health problems. He or she will ask about your working history and whether you have been exposed to asbestos. The people who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who were not.
Mesothelioma treatment options depend on the type and stage of the disease. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options. Radiation is sometimes used. Immunotherapy is an alternative method to treat mesothelioma. However, the research is still in its early stages.