Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers irritate and harm the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). These abnormal cells can grow into tumors.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years for symptoms to show up and are often confused with other ailments. The only known risk factor is a history of asbestos exposure.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma affects the lung and chest wall. Patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma typically have symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulty and coughing. In addition some patients experience an accumulation of fluid in the lung's space and chest wall, known as a pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the tissues of the chest and lung. As time passes the affected tissue develops tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors can spread to the peritoneum, bones, and the liver.

It typically takes 20 to 50 years for a person to develop pleural mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. The people who were exposed at work to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans who work on ships and shipyards are especially at risk.

It could take a few weeks for a doctor to diagnose the condition of pleural asbestosis. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and dry cough. The condition can also trigger a lower temperature and an unanswered loss of weight. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma after obtaining a patient's background on asbestos exposure and then conducting an examination. The chest may be examined with X-rays, or CT scans may be performed. These tests can reveal a an accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity or a tumor around one of the lungs.

The first step to treat mesothelioma pleural is to drain the excess fluid. This can be accomplished by doctors through a procedure known as thoracentesis. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube between two ribs inside the chest cavity. This tube allows doctors to examine the area and collect an ounce of pleural fluid. A doctor can then test the fluid to determine if it is cancerous or non-cancerous.

The prognosis for pleural tumors is based on a variety of factors, including the stage and severity of the cancer. A patient's age as well as whether they smoke may influence the prognosis. The survival rate of a patient is also influenced by their overall health and how quickly they seek treatment following the diagnosis. Asbestos patients treated promptly and aggressively have the best chances of a successful outcome.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. This mesothelioma type is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma however it can still be fatal. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the main reason for mesothelioma peritoneal. 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 inside they cause DNA damage and irritate the cells. In time, the inflammation that results 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 recognize because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal problems. 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 have trouble digesting food due to the accumulation 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 the presence of peritoneal cancer with a biopsy. The aim of this procedure is to remove only a small portion of the affected tissue to be examined under the microscope of mesothelioma specialists. These tests can reveal whether the tumors are aggressive or not, and the type of cancerous cells present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).

Doctors assign a stage to peritoneal mesothelioma based on its location and size, as well as the extent of growth of the tumor 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.

Mesothelioma patients should always consult a mesothelioma specialist who has specialized training for this rare condition. Without a specialist, patients risk being misdiagnosed as a more common abdomen problem and getting delayed treatment. This can be a serious issue because mesothelioma has a lengthy latency time and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.

Cardiac Mesothelioma

Although peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma are among the most frequent types of asbestos-related cancers patients can be diagnosed with mesothelioma pericardial. This rare form of disease develops when asbestos legal fibers invade the lining of the heart. It can be difficult to identify the condition because symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients with mesothelioma pericardial should report their history of exposure to asbestos litigation to their doctors and discuss any new symptoms with them.

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than in women. Researchers aren't sure of the reason for this disparity. Researchers aren't certain the reason for this distinction. It could be different asbestos lawsuit exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.

A patient's doctor might be able to detect pericardial mesothelioma after conducting a physical exam and asking about their exposure to asbestos. The doctor can request a CT scan and chest x-ray to find out if there are indications of a build-up of fluid around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).

Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be very severe and may affect a patient's quality of life. They may include chest pain, breathing problems and breath shortness. In some cases the fluid may accumulate and cause pressure on the heart can cause cardiac tamponade.

Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can help patients and families get the money they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related diseases can examine the patient's history of exposure and refer them with a mesothelioma specialist.

Asbestos victims in New York City and across the country should speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients in filing claims for compensation. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. No charge is made in the event that we are unable to recover compensation for you.

Reproductive Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma may affect the lining of organs such as the abdomen, chest, or the heart. It may also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Rarely, mesothelioma occurs in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, stomach or heart valves. Mesothelioma most commonly develops in the chest wall and lungs. However, mesothelioma may also occur in the abdominal cavity as well as 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 quantities. Asbestos manufacturers were aware asbestos was hazardous, however they failed to warn their employees or inform them of the dangers. From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was extensively used in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Exposure to asbestos could lead to mesothelioma development, lung cancer, and other asbestos attorney-related diseases.

The majority of mesothelioma cases do not manifest until years after exposure. It is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. It could take between 20 and 60 years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent cough or fluid in the lungs can be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is so uncommon and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as lung cancer and pneumonia.

A doctor will review your medical history to identify mesothelioma as well as other health problems. The doctor will inquire about your work history, and whether you were exposed to asbestos. People who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos are more likely of developing mesothelioma than those who were not.

The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the type of cancer and its stage. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the main treatment options. Radiation is sometimes used. Immunotherapy is also used to treat mesothelioma. However the research is in its early stages.