Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers inflame and harm the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). In time, these abnormal cells develop into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma could take between 10 and 50 years to manifest and are often mistaken for other diseases. A history of asbestos exposure is the sole known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The lungs and chest wall are affected by pleural melanoma. This kind of mesothelioma is characterized by symptoms like chest pain, coughing, and breathing problems. In addition there are some patients who experience the formation of fluid in the lung's space and chest wall, which is 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. As time passes the lining that has been irritated forms tumors that develop into the pleura. The tumors may spread to the peritoneum, bones and liver.
After asbestos exposure, it can take between 20 and 50 years 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.
It could take a few weeks for a doctor to diagnose pleural asbestosis. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties, a dry cough, chest pain, and fatigue. A patient with this condition may also have an unprovoked low fever or weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma after getting a patient's medical history of exposure to asbestos and then conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans can be taken. These tests can reveal fluid in the chest cavity, or a tumor near one of the lungs.
The first step to treat pleural mesothelioma is draining excess fluid. This can be accomplished by doctors using the procedure called thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin, flexible tube between two ribs in the chest cavity. This tube allows doctors to observe the area and take samples of the fluid in the pleural cavity. Doctors can then analyze the fluid to determine if it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis for pleural cancer depends on a number of factors, such as the stage and severity of the cancer. The prognosis can be affected by patient's age as well as whether smoking cigarettes or not. The rate of survival for a person is also affected by their overall health and how quickly they seek treatment after an diagnosis. Asbestos patients who receive treatment early and aggressively have the greatest chances of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be found in the lining that covers the abdomen, referred to as the peritoneum. Although this form of mesothelioma accounts for fewer cases than the more common type called pleural mesothelioma is still a fatal disease. Work-related exposure to asbestos is the most significant cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed enter the digestive system, and then travel through the lymphatic system and into the peritoneal tissues. Once inside, they irritate cells and damage DNA. Over time, the resulting inflammation can cause scar tissue and tumors to develop.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that can take years to develop. It can also be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. This is why patients with peritoneal mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed or delay treatment.
Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma suffer severe abdominal pain and fever, and weight loss. They may struggle to digest food because of the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen. They also have greater risk of developing anemia, and having low levels of albumin.
As with other types of mesothelioma. Doctors identify peritoneal mesothelioma with an examination. The procedure involves removing the affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests will reveal if the tumors are aggressive or not, and the type of cancerous cells present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a stage to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region depending on the location of the tumor and the extent of growth of the tumor and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are and the more advanced mesothelioma is.
Mesothelioma victims should always consult a mesothelioma specialist who has specialized training for this rare condition. Without a specialist, patients risk having their symptoms misdiagnosed as a more common abdomen problem and receiving delayed treatment. This can be a serious issue due to mesothelioma's long time of latency and requires a precise 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 cancer is caused by asbestos fibers invade the lining of your heart. It is often difficult to determine the cause since the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients who experience mesothelioma of the pericardium should discuss the history of exposure to asbestos to their physicians and discuss any new symptoms with them.
Like pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma usually affects men more frequently than women. However, researchers aren't certain of the reason for this disparity. It could be that different asbestos exposures cause pericardial mesothelioma, or the likelihood of developing the disease increases with age.
After an examination of the body and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a doctor may suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor can then request an x-ray of the chest and CT scan to see whether there is evidence of the accumulation of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be severe and affect the patient's ability an ordinary life. The symptoms include chest discomfort, breathing difficulties and breathlessness or shortness. In some cases the fluid may accumulate and cause pressure on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help 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 mesothelioma specialists.
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 can assist patients with filing a compensation claim. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. No charge is made unless we can get compensation for you.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs of the abdomen, chest or heart. It can also affect the lining of eyes (periocular) and testicles. Rarely, pasadena asbestos attorneys occurs in other parts of the body, like the stomach, kidneys, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the chest wall or lungs. However, mesothelioma may also occur in the abdominal cavity as well as the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. People working in blue-collar industries as well as the military were exposed to large amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was hazardous, but they didn't warn their employees or make clear the risks. Asbestos was used widely in construction, shipbuilding, power plants and in the military from the 1930s through the 1980s. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Most mesothelioma cases do not manifest until years after exposure. The illness is often misdiagnosed with other conditions. It can take between 20 and 60 years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms can include breathlessness chest pain, persistent cough, or fluids in the lungs. Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its rarity as well as the fact that it could be a symptom of other illnesses such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will look over your medical history to detect mesothelioma and other health problems. He or she will inquire about your employment background, as well as whether or not you were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who worked in industries that handled or shipped asbestos.
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type of cancer and its stage. In most cases, surgery and chemotherapy are the most commonly used treatments. Radiation is sometimes used. Immunotherapy is another option for treating mesothelioma. The research is in its very early stages.