Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, when they irritate or damage the lung cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). The abnormal cells then grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take between 10 and 50 years to manifest, and are often misinterpreted as other illnesses. A history of asbestos exposure is the sole known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lung and chest wall. People diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma usually experience symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing. Additionally some patients experience the formation of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall, referred to as an pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lung and chest linings. lung. In time the tissue that has been irritated forms tumors which grow into the pleura. The tumors may spread to the peritoneum, bones and the liver.
After asbestos exposure it could take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop pleural Mesothelioma. The people who were exposed at work to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and crews on ships and veterans, are at risk.
It can take a few weeks for a doctor to recognize the condition as pleural asbestosis. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and dry cough. This condition can also cause a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A physician can determine mesothelioma by getting a patient's medical history of exposure to asbestos and then conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are often carried out. These tests can reveal fluid within the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lung's.
The first step to treating mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. Doctors 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 then take an ounce of pleural fluid. A doctor will then test the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis for pleural tumors is contingent on a variety of factors, such as the stage and extent of the cancer. A patient's age as well as whether they smoke can influence the prognosis. The general health of a patient and how quickly they seek medical attention after a diagnosis can also impact their chances of survival. Asbestos patients who are treated aggressively and early have the best chances of a favorable outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma but it is still fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos while working. This is due to the fact that ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers pass through the digestive tract, then move through the lymphatic system and into the peritoneal tissue. Once inside they cause DNA damage and can 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 is also a difficult cancer to detect because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. Consequently, peritoneal msothelioma patients are often missed and delayed in their treatment.
Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma suffer severe abdominal pain and fever, as well as weight loss. They might struggle to digest food due to 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 of cancer, doctors can diagnose peritoneal cancer through a biopsy. The procedure involves removing an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests will reveal the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) and also determine how aggressive the tumors are.
el monte asbestos law firm assign a peritoneal phase to mesothelioma according to its location, amount of tumor growth, and rate of spreading to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are, the more advanced stage mesothelioma has reached.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should see an expert doctor who is trained in this rare disease. Without such a physician patients are at risk of being misdiagnosed with an abdominal problem that is more common and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a major issue due to mesothelioma's long latency period and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure the proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients may be diagnosed with pericardial cancer in addition to peritoneal or pleural asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of disease develops when asbestos fibers invade the heart's lining. It is often difficult to identify the condition because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma should be advised to inform their physicians about their asbestos exposure history as well as any recent signs.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the pericardial mesothelioma typically affects men more frequently than women. Researchers are unsure of the cause of this difference. Researchers aren't sure what is causing this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.
After an examination of the body and asking the patient about their asbestos exposure, a doctor might suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor can then request an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to see if there is any evidence of fluid accumulation around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that typically affects the membrane that covers the heart. These symptoms can be very serious and can interfere with the quality of life of the patient. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. In some instances, the fluid can build-up and put pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers are able to help families and patients get the amount they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related ailments will review a patient's history of exposure and refer them to a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos patients in New York City or anywhere else should speak with a mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients with making claims for compensation. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs in the abdomen, chest or the heart. It may also affect the eye's lining (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other areas 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 and the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Blue-collar workers and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos manufacturers were aware asbestos was a risk, however they failed to warn their employees or inform them of the risks. Asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, power plants and the military during the 1930s and into the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Most mesothelioma cases are not diagnosed until years after exposure. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. It could take between 20 and 60 years for symptoms to show after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms can include a shortness of breath and chest pain, as well as persistent cough, or fluid in the lung. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because the disease is so uncommon and its symptoms resemble many other illnesses, including pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will collect a medical history to check for mesothelioma signs and other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your employment history, and whether you were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos.
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type of cancer and its stage. In most cases, surgery and chemotherapy are the standard treatment options. In certain cases there is radiation treatment. Immunotherapy is also used to treat mesothelioma. However, the research is still in its infancy.