Everything You Need To Know About Asbestos Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma if they cause irritation or damage to the cells that line lungs (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). Then the abnormal cells grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 - 50 years for symptoms to show up and are often confused with other illnesses. The only known risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The lungs and the chest wall are affected by pleural melanoma. This type of mesothelioma is identified by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Some patients also experience an accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and the lung, called an pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. As time passes, the irritated tissue forms tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors can spread to the peritoneum, bones and liver.
After asbestos exposure it could take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop pleural Mesothelioma. Those who were exposed at work to asbestos are at the greatest risk of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and crews on ships and veterans, are at risk.
It may take several weeks before a doctor can diagnose pleural asbestosis. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing or coughing, dry chest pain, and fatigue. The condition can also trigger a low temperature and unexplained loss of weight. A doctor can detect mesothelioma through a detailed medical history of the patient's exposure to asbestos and performing a physical exam. Chest X-rays or CT scans are often performed. These tests can reveal fluid within the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lungs.
The first step to treating mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. Doctors can do this through a procedure called thoracentesis, which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. This tube provides doctors with the ability to examine the area and take samples of pleural fluid. Doctors can then analyze the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or not.
The prognosis of pleural cancer depends on a number of factors, such as the stage and severity of the cancer. The patient's age and whether they smoke can also impact prognosis. The general health of a patient and the speed at which they seek medical treatment after a diagnosis can also impact their chance of survival. Asbestos patients that are treated promptly and aggressively have the highest chance of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs along the lining that surrounds the abdomen, called the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma however it can still be fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos at work. This is because ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers pass through the digestive tract, then travel through the lymphatic system into the peritoneal tissue. Once inside they cause DNA damage and can irritate the cells. Over time, the resulting inflammation causes scar tissue to form and tumors to grow.
As with other mesothelioma forms Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form that can take years to manifest. It can also be a difficult cancer to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal disorders. In the end, patients with peritoneal mesothelioma are often mistakenly diagnosed or delayed treatment.
People who have peritoneal mesothelioma experience severe abdominal pain and fever, as well as weight loss. They may be unable to digest food due to the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen. They also have the risk of developing anemia and have low levels of albumin.
Similar to other types, doctors identify peritoneal cancer through a biopsy. The purpose of this procedure is to remove an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under an microscope by a mesothelioma specialist. These tests will reveal the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) and also determine the severity of the tumors.
Doctors assign a stage to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region in accordance with its location and the extent of tumor growth and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are in the stage of advanced the mesothelioma is.
Mesothelioma victims should always seek out a mesothelioma physician who has been trained specifically for this rare condition. Without such a physician patients are at risk of having their symptoms misdiagnosed as an abdominal problem that is more common and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a concern because mesothelioma can be a cancer that has a long latent period. It requires a careful diagnostic process to ensure the proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma represent the most prevalent forms of asbestos-related cancer patients can also 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 conditions. Patients who suffer from mesothelioma of the pericardium should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos to their physicians and discuss any new symptoms with them.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Researchers are unsure of the reason for this distinction. It could be that different asbestos exposures trigger mesothelioma of the pericardium, or that the risk of developing the disease increases with age.
After a physical examination and asking the patient about their asbestos exposure, a doctor might suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor may then ask for 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 usually develops in the membrane that covers the heart. These symptoms can be severe and may affect the quality of life of the patient. These symptoms can include chest pain breathing difficulties, breath shortness. In certain cases, the fluid may build up and cause an increase in pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can 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 connect them with a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City and across the country should speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients with filing claims for compensation. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. No charge is made unless we can claim compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
mesothelioma attorneys may affect the lining of organs in the chest, abdomen, or the heart. It can also be found in the eye's lining (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma lawsuits). Other parts of the human body such as the heart valves, kidneys stomach or kidneys are uncommon cases in which mesothelioma may occur. Mesothelioma is most often found in the chest wall and lungs. mesothelioma lawyer also occurs in the tissue of your heart and abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma's main cause is asbestos exposure. Blue-collar workers and the military were exposed to massive amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos manufacturers were aware asbestos was hazardous, but they did not inform their employees or make clear the risks. From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was extensively employed in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Most cases of mesothelioma do not manifest until years after exposure. Most often, the disease is incorrectly diagnosed. Symptoms can appear between 20 and 60 year after asbestos exposure.
A shortness of breath chest discomfort, a persistent cough or fluid in the lungs are symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is so uncommon and its symptoms resemble many other diseases, such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will examine your medical history in order to detect mesothelioma and other health issues. He or she will ask you about your work background, as well as whether you were exposed to asbestos. People who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos are more likely of developing mesothelioma compared to those who were not.
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type of cancer and its stage. In most cases, surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatments. In certain instances, radiation is used. Immunotherapy is a different option for treating mesothelioma. The research is still in its very early stages.