Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they damage or irritate the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). Eventually these abnormal cells transform into tumors.
Symptoms of mesothelioma take 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 can affect the lung and chest wall. People diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma typically suffer from symptoms like breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing. In addition, some patients have a buildup of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall, which is known as an pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers irritate the lung's lining and chest cavity. Over time the tissue that has been irritated forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors may expand to the peritoneum or bones, and to the liver.
After
asbestos lawsuits exposure it could take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for a person to develop pleural Mesothelioma. Those who were exposed in the workplace to asbestos are at the highest chance of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and crews on ships as well as veterans, are at risk.
The patient could experience symptoms for several weeks before doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and a dry cough. A person with this condition might also experience an unprovoked low fever or weight loss. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma following obtaining a patient's history of exposure to asbestos and then conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are possible. These tests can reveal accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lung's.
The first step in treating pleural mesothelioma is draining excess fluid. This can be accomplished by doctors using a procedure called thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin, flexible tube between two ribs within the chest cavity. This tube allows doctors the ability to look at the area and take a sample of pleural liquid. The fluid can be tested by doctors to determine if it is cancerous.
The prognosis for patients with mesothelioma of the pleural is based on several factors, including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The patient's age and whether they smoke may also impact prognosis. A person's survival rate is also affected by their general health and the speed at which they seek treatment following the diagnosis. Asbestos patients who are treated quickly and with a high degree of urgency have the greatest chance of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops along abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less frequent than pleural mesothelioma however it is still fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos while working. This is because ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers enter the digestive tract, then travel through the lymphatic system into the peritoneal tissue. Once inside, they irritate cells and cause DNA damage. In time the inflammation that occurs creates scar tissue and causes tumours to form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that can take years to develop. It's also a challenging cancer to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal issues. This is why patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are mistakenly diagnosed or delayed treatment.
Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma suffer severe abdominal pain and fever and weight loss. They may be unable to digest food because of the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen. They also are at greater risk of developing anemia, and having low levels of albumin.
Like other types, doctors identify the presence of peritoneal cancer by taking an examination. This involves the removal of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests will reveal the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) and also determine how aggressive the tumors are.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma according to its location, extent of growth and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are, the more advanced stage mesothelioma has reached.
Patients with mesothelioma should consult a specialist doctor experienced in treating this rare illness. Patients are at risk of being misdiagnosed as having abdominal pain, and receiving delayed treatment. This can be a serious issue due to mesothelioma's lengthy latency time and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma represent the most prevalent forms of asbestos-related cancer, patients may be diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pericardium. This rare form of cancer is caused by asbestos fibers invade the tissue of your heart. It can be difficult to identify the condition since the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients with pericardial msothelioma are advised to tell their doctors about their asbestos exposure history as well as any recent signs.
Pericardial
mesothelioma lawsuit occurs more frequently in males than females. Researchers aren't sure of the cause for this distinction. Researchers aren't sure the reason for this distinction. It could be different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.
A patient's doctor might be able to detect pericardial mesothelioma after performing a physical exam and asking about their asbestos exposure. The physician can then request an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to determine whether there is evidence of fluid accumulation around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be serious and hinder the patient's ability an ordinary life. These symptoms can include chest discomfort breathing problems, breathlessness or shortness. In certain cases, the fluid may build up and put tension on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients and their families receive the amount they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related diseases can examine the history of exposure for a patient and refer them to a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos patients living in New York City or anywhere else should consult a
mesothelioma attorneys attorney to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients when filing an action for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation. No charge is made unless we can claim compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the lining of organs in the chest, abdomen, or the heart. It may also affect the lining of eyes (periocular) and testicles. Rarely, mesothelioma occurs in other areas of the body, including the kidneys, stomach or heart valves. Mesothelioma typically develops in the lungs and chest wall. However, mesothelioma may also occur in the abdominal cavity and the lining of the heart (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 hazardous, but did not warn their employees or disclose the dangers. From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was extensively employed in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer.
The majority of mesothelioma cases do not manifest until years after the exposure. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. Symptoms can appear between 20 and 60 years 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 the disease is so uncommon and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will examine your medical history to detect mesothelioma and other health problems. The doctor will inquire about your employment background, as well as whether you were exposed to asbestos. Workers in industries that handled asbestos or shipped asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than those who were not.
The treatment options for mesothelioma are contingent on the type of disease and its stage. In most cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatment options. In some cases radiation therapy is also used. Immunotherapy is an alternative method for treating mesothelioma. The research is still in the very early stages of its development.