Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers cause irritation and harm the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). In time these abnormal cells transform into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take between 10 and 50 years to manifest and are often misinterpreted as other diseases. The only known risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The lungs and chest wall are affected by pleural mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with this form of mesothelioma usually have symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. Certain patients also have a fluid buildup between the lung and the wall of the chest known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers inflame the lining of the lung and chest cavity. Over time, the irritated lining forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors can spread to the peritoneum, bones and the liver.
It usually takes between 20 and 50 years for someone to develop pleural mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed at work to asbestos are at the greatest chance of developing the disease. Workers in shipyards and on ships, as well as veterans, are at risk.
The patient could experience symptoms for several weeks before a doctor diagnoses pleural mesothelioma. The symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and dry cough. The condition can also trigger a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A physician can identify mesothelioma through a detailed medical history of the patient's asbestos exposure and performing a physical exam. Chest X-rays or CT scans can be taken. These tests may reveal fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lung's.
The first step to treat mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. Doctors can do this with a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. This tube provides doctors with the ability to look at the area and then collect a sample of pleural liquid. The fluid can be examined by a doctor to determine whether it is cancerous.
The prognosis of pleural cancer depends on a number of factors, such as the stage and extent of the cancer. A patient's age as well as smoking habits can affect the prognosis. The survival rate of a patient is also affected by their overall health and the speed at which they seek treatment after a diagnosis. Asbestos victims who are treated early and aggressively have the greatest chance of a successful outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs along the lining that covers the abdomen, referred to as the peritoneum. This kind of mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma however it is still fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be 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 irritate cells and cause DNA damage. Over time, 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 a difficult cancer to detect because its symptoms resemble many other abdominal problems. This is why patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are wrongly diagnosed or delay treatment.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever and weight loss. They may have difficulty digesting food due to the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen and have a higher chance of developing anemia or low levels of albumin in their blood.
As with other types of mesothelioma, doctors detect peritoneal mesothelioma by taking a biopsy. The goal of this procedure is to take an insignificant portion of the affected tissue for examination under an microscope by a mesothelioma specialist. These tests can determine if the tumors are active or not, as well as the type of cancerous cells present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a stage to mesothelioma in the peritoneal region, in accordance with its location, the 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 the mesothelioma is.
Mesothelioma victims should always seek out a mesothelioma physician who has been trained specifically for this rare condition. Without a specialist patients are at risk of being misdiagnosed as an abdominal problem that is more common and getting delayed treatment. This could be a concern because mesothelioma can be a cancer that has a long latent period. It requires a careful diagnostic process to ensure the appropriate treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients may be diagnosed with pericardial cancer in addition to peritoneal or pleural asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of cancer occurs when asbestos fibers invade the lining of your heart. It can be difficult to identify the condition because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma should be advised to tell their doctors about their asbestos exposure history as well as any symptoms that have occurred recently.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more common for men than women. Researchers aren't sure of the cause for this distinction. It could be that different asbestos exposures cause pericardial mesothelioma, or the likelihood of developing the disease increases with the age of one.
After an examination of the body and questioning the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a doctor may suspect pericardial cancer. The physician can request an CT scan and chest xray to determine if there are indications of a build-up of fluid around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).
Pericardial Mesothelioma develops typically in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be severe and may affect the quality of life of a patient. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. In some instances the fluid may build up and put pressure on the heart, which can result in cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist patients and their families get the compensation they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can examine a patient's past of exposure and connect them with a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos patients in New York City and across the nation should consult 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 charge in the event that we are unable to get compensation for you.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may affect the lining of organs like the chest, abdomen or heart. It can also affect the lining of eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other parts of the human body such as the kidneys, heart valves stomach, kidneys or stomach, are uncommon cases in which mesothelioma may occur. Mesothelioma is most common in the lungs or chest wall. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the abdominal cavity as well as the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Blue-collar workers and the military were exposed to huge amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos producers were aware that asbestos was dangerous, however they did not warn employees or disclose risks. From the 1930s through the 1980s, asbestos was widely employed in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. augusta asbestos law firm to asbestos may cause mesothelioma or lung cancer.
In the majority of cases mesothelioma is not diagnosed until several years after exposure. Often, the illness is not properly diagnosed. The symptoms can develop between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure.
Shortness of breath chest discomfort, a persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs can be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its rarity as well as the fact that it could mimic many other illnesses such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will take an medical history to look for mesothelioma symptoms and other health issues. He or she will ask about your employment history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who worked in industries which handled or transported asbestos.
The treatment options for mesothelioma are contingent on the type of cancer and its stage. In the majority of cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options. Radiation is sometimes used. Immunotherapy can also be used to treat mesothelioma. The research is in its early stages.