Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers irritate and cause damage to the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Then these abnormal cells transform into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 - 50 years to be noticed and are often confused with other illnesses. The only risk factor that is known is asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the chest wall and lungs. This kind of mesothelioma is characterized by symptoms like chest pain, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Some patients also have a fluid buildup between the lung and the wall of the chest which is known as an the pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the linings of the chest and lung. In time the irritated lining develops tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors can grow to the peritoneum, bones and the liver.
It can take between 20 and 50 years for a person to develop pleural cancer following exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at most risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans working on ships and in shipyards are especially at risk.
A person may experience symptoms for several weeks prior to a doctor diagnoses pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing or coughing, dry chest pain and fatigue. Patients suffering from this condition may also have a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma after getting a patient's medical background on asbestos exposure and then conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are usually done. These tests may reveal fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor that is located near one of the lung's.
The first step to treat mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. lancaster asbestos attorneys can do this with a procedure called thoracentesis, which involves inserting a small tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. This tube allows doctors to examine the area and collect a sample of the fluid in the pleural cavity. A doctor will then test the fluid to determine if it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis of pleural cancer is based on a variety of factors, such as the stage and size of the cancer. A patient's age and whether they smoke can influence the prognosis. A person's survival rate is also influenced by their general health and the speed at which they seek treatment after the diagnosis. Asbestos patients who are treated aggressively and early have the highest chance of a favorable outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs along the lining that surrounds the abdomen, also known as the peritoneum. This kind of mesothelioma is less frequent than pleural mesothelioma but it can still be fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure at work. This is due to the fact that ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers pass through the digestive tract, then move through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal tissue. Once inside they cause DNA damage and can irritate the cells. As time passes, the inflammation that results can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can take years to develop. It can also be difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal issues. As a result, patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are misdiagnosed or delay treatment.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever, as well as weight loss. They may be unable to digest food due to the fluid buildup in their abdomen. They also have a higher-risk of developing anemia and low levels of albumin.
As with other types, doctors identify the presence of peritoneal cancer by taking an examination. The procedure involves removing an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests can identify the kinds of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) and determine the degree of aggressiveness of the tumors.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma based on its location, amount of tumor growth, and the rate of spread to other tissues. The larger the tumors and the more aggressive the cell type and the more advanced mesothelioma's stage.
Patients with mesothelioma should consult a specialist doctor experienced in treating this rare illness. Without such a physician patients are at risk of having their symptoms misdiagnosed as an abdominal problem that is more common and receiving delayed treatment. This can be a serious issue due to mesothelioma's long time of latency and requires a thorough diagnosis to ensure that the right treatment is given.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma represent the most prevalent forms of asbestos-related cancer patients can also be diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This rare form of the disease is caused by asbestos fibers that invade the heart's lining. It can be difficult to determine the cause 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 recent symptoms.
Like pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma typically affects men more often than women. Researchers aren't certain of the reason for this disparity. Researchers are not sure the reason for this distinction. It could be due to different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.
After an examination of the body and questioning the patient about their asbestos exposure, a doctor might suspect pericardial cancer. The physician can then request an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to determine if there is any evidence of a build-up of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be severe and hinder the patient's ability to live an ordinary life. These symptoms can include chest discomfort breathing problems, breath shortness. In some cases, the fluid can build up and put pressure on the heart and result in cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can help patients and families receive the compensation they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related illnesses can look over the patient's history of exposure and refer them to a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City or anywhere else should consult an attorney for mesothelioma to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients in making a claim for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of 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). Other parts of the human body like the heart valves, kidneys stomach, kidneys or stomach, are very rare instances where mesothelioma may occur. Mesothelioma most commonly develops in the chest wall and lungs. However, mesothelioma can be found in the abdominal cavity as well as the heart's lining (pericardium).
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Workers in blue-collar industry and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos manufacturers were aware asbestos was a risk, but they did not inform their employees or disclose the risks. From the 1930s until the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding and power plants. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
Most cases of mesothelioma are not diagnosed until years after exposure. The disease is often misdiagnosed with other conditions. The symptoms can develop between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure.
A shortness of breath chest discomfort, a persistent cough or fluids in the lungs could be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its rarity as well as the fact that it could be a symptom of other illnesses like pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will look over your medical history to find mesothelioma or other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your working history and whether you have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who worked in industries which handled or shipped asbestos.
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the type of disease and its stage. In most cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatment options. In certain cases, radiation is used. Immunotherapy is another option to treat mesothelioma. However the research is in its early stages.