Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause irritation and harm the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). These abnormal cells eventually develop into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years to appear and are often confused with other diseases. The only risk factor that is known is asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lung and chest wall. The mesothelioma type is identified by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Certain patients also have an accumulation of fluid between their lung and the wall of the chest, called an Pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers irritate the lining of the lung and chest cavity. Over time the irritated lining develops tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors can spread to the peritoneum, bones, and liver.
After asbestos exposure it could take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for a person to develop pleural Mesothelioma. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at the highest risk of developing this disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans who work on ships and in shipyards are particularly at risk.
A person may experience symptoms for several weeks before a doctor diagnoses pleural mesothelioma. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties and a dry cough, chest pain, and fatigue. This condition may also result in an unprovoked loss of weight. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma after getting a patient's medical history of exposure to asbestos and conducting an examination. X-rays of the chest or CT scans can be taken. These tests may reveal fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor that is located near 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. This tube provides doctors with the ability to examine the area and then collect the pleural fluid sample. The fluid can be tested by a doctor to determine whether it is cancerous.
The prognosis for pleural tumors is based on a variety of factors, including the stage and extent of the cancer. The prognosis may also be affected by the patient's age as well as whether smoking cigarettes or not. The general health of a patient and the speed at which they seek medical care after a diagnosis can also impact their chances of survival. Asbestos sufferers who seek treatment early and promptly have the greatest chance of a successful outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops along the abdomen's lining, also known as the peritoneum. Although this form of mesothelioma accounts for fewer cases than the more common type known as pleural mesothelioma is still a fatal illness. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the most significant cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in or ingested enter the digestive system, and then move through the lymphatic system and into the tissue of the peritoneal area. Once there, they irritate cells and damage DNA. In time, the inflammation causes scar tissue to form and tumors to grow.
Peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is that can take years to develop. It's also a challenging cancer to identify because its symptoms resemble many other abdominal issues. As a result, patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are wrongly diagnosed or delay treatment.
Patients who suffer from peritoneal asbestos experience severe abdominal pain and fever, as well as weight loss. They may have trouble digesting food due to the buildup of abdominal fluid and are at a higher chance of developing anemia or low levels of albumin in their blood.
Like other types, doctors identify peritoneal cancer through an examination. This involves the removal of a small piece of affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests will reveal the kinds of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) and also determine how aggressive the tumors are.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma depending on the location of the tumor, the extent of tumor growth, and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The larger the tumors and the more aggressive the cell type and the more advanced mesothelioma stage.
Hammond asbestos attorney suffering from mesothelioma should see a specialist doctor who is trained in this rare disease. Patients may be not recognizing their symptoms as abdominal pain and receiving treatment later. This can be a problem because mesothelioma is a cancer that has a lengthy latent period. It requires a careful screening process to ensure appropriate treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients may be diagnosed with pericardial tumors in addition to pleural or peritoneal asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of the disease occurs when asbestos fibers are found in the tissue of the heart. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition since the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma should disclose their history of exposure to asbestos to their medical professionals and discuss any new symptoms with them.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. However, researchers are not sure what causes this difference. Researchers aren't certain what is causing this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.
After a physical examination and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a physician may suspect pericardial carcinoma. The doctor can request a CT scan and chest xray to determine if there are signs of fluid accumulation around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs most often in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be serious and hinder the patient's ability a normal life. The symptoms include chest discomfort breathing difficulties, breathlessness or shortness. In certain cases, the fluid may build up and put pressure on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can help patients and families receive the financial compensation they need when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can review the history of exposure for a patient and refer them to a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City or anywhere else should contact a mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients with filing claims for compensation. Contact us now for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we can claim compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs of the chest, abdomen, or the heart. It can also occur in the eye's lining (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other parts of the body, including the kidneys, stomach, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most often found in the chest wall and lungs. Mesothelioma also occurs in the lining of your heart and abdominal cavity.
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. Workers in blue-collar industry and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos manufacturers were aware that asbestos was dangerous however they failed to warn their employees or make clear the risks. Asbestos was extensively used in construction, shipbuilding power plants and in the military during the 1930s and into the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos could lead to mesothelioma development, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Most of the time, mesothelioma does not appear until several years after exposure. It is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. The symptoms can manifest between 20 and 60 year after asbestos exposure.
Shortness of breath chest discomfort, a persistent cough or fluid in the lungs are symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is so rare and because its symptoms resemble many other illnesses, including pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will examine your medical history to find mesothelioma or other health problems. They will inquire about your employment history, and whether you were exposed to asbestos. The people who worked in industries that handled asbestos or shipped asbestos are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than those who did not.
Mesothelioma treatment options vary based on the type and stage of the disease. In most cases, surgery and chemotherapy are the standard treatment options. Radiation is sometimes used. Immunotherapy can also be used to treat mesothelioma. The research is in its early stages.