Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers irritate and cause damage to the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). In time the abnormal cells grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 - 50 years for symptoms to be noticed and are often confused with other diseases. The only risk factor that is known is asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung and chest wall. People diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma typically experience symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing. In addition some patients experience an accumulation of fluid in the lung's cavity and chest wall, referred to as an Pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers inflame the lung's lining and chest cavity. In time the lining that has been irritated forms tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors can spread to the peritoneum, bones, and the liver.
It typically takes 20 to 50 years for someone to develop pleural mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed in the workplace to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and crews on ships, as well as veterans, are at risk.
It can take a few weeks for a doctor to recognize pleural asbestosis. It is possible to experience breathing problems, a dry cough, chest pain and fatigue. Patients suffering from this condition might also experience a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma following taking a patient's history of asbestos exposure and conducting an examination. The chest may be examined with X-rays, or CT scans can be taken. These tests can reveal an accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity or a tumor around one of the lungs.
The first step to treating mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. This can be accomplished by doctors through the procedure called thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin flexible tube between two ribs inside the chest cavity. This tube allows doctors to look into the area and then collect a sample of pleural liquid. The fluid can be tested by a doctor to determine whether it is cancerous.
The prognosis of a patient with pleural mesothelioma depends on several factors such as the stage of the tumor as well as the extent of the cancer. The prognosis may be affected by the patient's age as well as whether or not they smoke. The general health of a patient and how quickly they seek medical treatment after a diagnosis can also impact their chance of survival. Asbestos patients who receive treatment early and promptly have the best chance of a good outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops along the abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. Although this mesothelioma type accounts for fewer cases than the more common type, pleural mesothelioma, it is still a deadly disease. Exposure to asbestos at work is the main cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because when ingested, or inhaled asbestos fibers enter the digestive tract, then move through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal tissue. Once inside they cause DNA damage and irritation to the cells. Over time, the resulting inflammation causes scar tissue and tumors to form.
As with other mesothelioma forms Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form that can take decades to appear. It's also a challenging cancer to detect because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal disorders. Thus, patients with peritoneal Msothelioma are often missed and delayed in treatment.
People who have peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever and weight loss. They might have difficulty digesting food due to the buildup of fluid in their abdomen. They are also at a higher-risk of developing anemia and have low levels of albumin.
Like other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer by taking the use of a biopsy. This involves the removal of an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests can reveal whether the tumors are aggressive or not, and the kind of cancerous cells that are present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a stage for peritoneal mesothelioma depending on the location of the tumor, the amount of tumor growth, and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The more extensive the tumors and the more aggressive the cell type is, the more advanced the mesothelioma's stage.
Huntsville asbestos attorneys should seek out a mesothelioma physician who has specialized training for this rare condition. Patients are at risk of misdiagnosing their symptoms as an abdominal problem, and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a concern since mesothelioma is a type of cancer that has a lengthy latent period. It requires a thorough diagnostic process to ensure the right treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Although peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma represent the most prevalent types of asbestos-related cancers patients can also be diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This rare form of disease occurs when asbestos fibers invade the heart's lining. It can be difficult to determine the cause because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Patients with pericardial msothelioma are advised to inform their physicians about their asbestos exposure history and any recent symptoms.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more common in men than in women. However, researchers aren't certain of the reason for this disparity. Researchers aren't sure what causes this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.
A patient's physician may be able to detect pericardial mesothelioma after conducting a physical exam and asking about their exposure to asbestos. The doctor may request a CT scan and chest xray to determine if there are any signs of fluid accumulation around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma usually develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be extremely serious and can interfere with a patient's quality of life. These symptoms could include chest pain breathing problems, breath shortness. In some cases the fluid can build-up and cause pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can help patients and families get the money they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can review a patient's history of exposure and refer them to a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City or anywhere else should consult an attorney with mesothelioma for their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients when making an action for compensation. Contact us now for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs of the abdomen, chest or heart. It may also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other areas of the body, like the stomach, kidneys, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most often found in the chest wall and lungs. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the abdominal cavity as well as the heart's lining (pericardium).
Mesothelioma is mostly caused by asbestos exposure. Workers in blue-collar industries and the military were exposed to massive amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos producers were aware that asbestos was dangerous, however they did not warn employees or make clear the risks. Asbestos was extensively used in shipbuilding, construction, power plants and the military from the 1930s through the 1980s. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.
Most of the time mesothelioma is not diagnosed until years after exposure. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. The symptoms can develop between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may include breathlessness, chest pain, persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is so rare and because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will examine your medical history to identify mesothelioma as well as other health problems. The doctor will ask you about your work history, and whether or not you were exposed to asbestos. People who worked in industries that handled asbestos or shipped asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than people who did not.
Mesothelioma treatment options are contingent upon the stage and type of the disease. In most instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy is also used to treat mesothelioma. The research is in its very early stages.