Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause irritation and cause damage to the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). In time these abnormal cells transform into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to show up and are often confused with other illnesses. The only known risk factor is a history of asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and chest wall. This kind of mesothelioma is identified by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, and breathing difficulties. In addition some patients experience an accumulation of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall, known as an pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the tissues of the chest and lung. Over time, the irritated tissue forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors may spread to the peritoneum, bones and the liver.
It can take between 20 and 50 years for a person to develop pleural cancer following exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at greatest risk of developing this disease. Blue-collar workers as well as veterans working on ships and shipyards are particularly at risk.
The patient could experience symptoms for a few weeks before a doctor diagnoses pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and dry cough. A patient with this condition might also experience a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A physician can identify mesothelioma by taking a medical history of the patient's asbestos exposure and performing a physical exam. Chest X-rays or CT scans are possible. These tests may reveal fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lung's.
The first step in treating mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. Doctors can accomplish this by a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. The tube lets doctors examine the area and then take an ounce of fluid from the pleural. The fluid can be analyzed by an expert to determine if it is cancerous.
The prognosis of a patient with pleural mesothelioma depends on several factors, including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The prognosis can be affected by patient's age as well as whether smoking cigarettes or not. The survival rate of a patient is also influenced by their general health and how quickly they seek treatment after an diagnosis. Asbestos patients treated quickly and with a high degree of urgency have the greatest chance of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the abdomen's lining, also known as the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma however it is still fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos at work. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in or ingested are absorbed by the digestive system and then travel through the lymphatic system and into the peritoneal tissues. Once inside, they irritate cells and damage DNA. In time, the inflammation that results creates scar tissue and causes tumours to form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can take years to develop. It is also difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are similar to many other abdominal issues. Thus, patients with peritoneal Msothelioma are often misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma suffer extreme abdominal pain and fever, and weight loss. They may have difficulty digesting food because of the fluid buildup in their abdomen. They are also 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. The goal of this procedure is to take an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope by a mesothelioma specialist. These tests will reveal if the tumors are active or not, as well as the kind of cancerous cells that are present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a peritoneal phase to mesothelioma based on the location of the tumor, the extent of growth and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are in the stage of advanced the mesothelioma is.
winston salem asbestos attorneys suffering from mesothelioma should see a specialist doctor who is experienced in treating this rare illness. Without a specialist patients run the risk of being misdiagnosed with an abdominal problem that is more common and receiving delayed treatment. This can be a serious problem because mesothelioma is a lengthy latency time and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Although peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma represent the most prevalent types of asbestos-related cancers Patients may be diagnosed with mesothelioma pericardial. This rare type of disease occurs when asbestos fibers infiltrate the lining of the heart. The condition is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma should disclose their history of exposure to asbestos to their medical professionals and discuss any new symptoms with them.
Similar to pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma typically affects men more often than women. Researchers are unsure of the root cause for this distinction. Researchers are not sure what is causing this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.
A patient's physician may be able to detect pericardial mesothelioma after conducting a physical examination and asking about their exposure to asbestos. The doctor may then ask for a chest x-ray and CT scan to see whether there is evidence of a build-up of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma usually develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be serious and affect the patient's ability a normal life. They can include chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. In certain cases, the fluid can build-up and cause tension on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers are able to help families and patients get the compensation they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can review a patient's history of exposure and refer them to a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos patients living in New York City or anywhere else should speak with an attorney with mesothelioma for their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in submitting a compensation claim. Contact us today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the lining of organs like the chest, abdomen, or the heart. It may also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other parts of the body, like the kidneys, stomach or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the chest wall or lungs. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the abdominal cavity and the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Mesothelioma's main cause is asbestos exposure. Workers in blue-collar industry and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos producers knew that asbestos was dangerous however they failed to warn their employees or inform them of the dangers. Asbestos was used widely in shipbuilding, construction, power plants and the military from the 1930s to the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.
In the majority of cases, mesothelioma does not appear until years after exposure. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. It can take between 20 and 60 years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Breathing problems or chest discomfort, or persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs can be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its rarity as well as the fact that it could be a symptom of other illnesses like pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will review your medical history in order to find mesothelioma or other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your employment history, and whether or not you were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more frequent in people who worked in industries that handled or shipped asbestos.
Mesothelioma treatment options vary based on the stage and type of the disease. In the majority of cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the main treatment options. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy is a different option to treat mesothelioma. The research is in its very early stages.