How Do I Explain Mesothelioma Asbestos To A Five-Year-Old
mesothelioma lawsuit
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the lining of organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure, an amalgamation of minerals made up of microscopic fibers.
It can take between 20 to 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma attorney starts to show up. X-rays and blood tests are a way to identify mesothelioma and determine how far it has spread.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells develop in the lining surrounding the lungs (pleura). The pleura is a multi-layered tissue that surrounds various organs. Cancerous pleural mesothelioma most often affects the lungs and chest wall and can cause symptoms such as breath shortness or chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural msothelioma. When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, they could be absorbed by the throat and into the lungs, where they can damage the lining. This can lead to inflammation and scarring which may cause changes that lead to out of control cell growth.
People who have been exposed to asbestos may not experience symptoms until years after the initial exposure. This is because mesothelioma can take several years or more to develop. Men and people born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other diagnoses that are common include older people who worked in industries that used asbestos in large quantities prior to when it was banned or served in the Navy.
The symptoms vary based on where the tumor is located. They are typically caused by an increase in pressure or swelling near the affected lung. The symptoms could include coughing, back or chest pains, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. X-rays or CT or MRIs can be used for a diagnosis to rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is identified by doctors, they will determine the stage of the disease to help determine the best treatment options.
The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has developed the staging system. The first step to determine the stage is taking a biopsy and reviewing the patient's medical history. X-rays or chest MRI are also used to determine if there is any tumors, or other abnormalities that could indicate mesothelioma.
There are three kinds of mesothelioma. They can be classified according to the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most common malignant mesothelioma (60 to 80 percent of cases). It is easier to treat in comparison to other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second most common kind of mesothelioma (between 10 percent and 15 percent of cases). It is more difficult to treat than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is less frequent than mesothelioma of the pleural region. Like all mesotheliomas, the cause of peritoneal cancer is asbestos exposure. However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this type of mesothelioma by ingesting asbestos fibers instead of inhaling them. This type of mesothelioma typically occurs in older individuals and is more common in women than men.
Mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest symptoms and the non-specific nature of its early stages makes it difficult to diagnose. Experts in mesothelioma have the expertise to recognize the disease. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by using detailed patient histories and imaging and blood tests.
A doctor will employ the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after a mesothelioma diagnosis. The staging system outlines how far the tumors have spread and affects treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer can be so rare, it is hard to recognize. The symptoms of this disease resemble those of many other conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, including abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. For this reason, patients with unprovoked symptoms should consult a physician.
Doctors will begin by conducting a physical exam and performing basic blood tests. If these tests indicate that a condition is present and an oncologist is needed, they can conduct more detailed diagnostic tests, including biopsies. This will provide an accurate picture of a person's health and will identify any possible mesothelioma symptoms.
Asbestos exposure is a major cause of mesothelioma cases in all forms. Asbestos exposure can occur in the workplace, but also at home or at school. Asbestos can be dangerous when exposed for a prolonged period of time. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body and causing inflammation or irritation. In time inflammation and irritation can cause cells to grow and develop into cancerous. The cancerous tissue that results can then infiltrate and attack other tissues within the body and cause symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, weight loss and swelling.
Cardiovascular Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the heart, or the pericardium. This kind of mesothelioma makes up less than 1% of all mesothelioma, and is difficult to diagnose because of the similar symptoms to heart disease. Many patients are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors can confirm they have pericardial msothelioma.
Like other forms of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can cause pericardial cancer. It is believed that asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pericardium via the bloodstream. The fibers then travel to other organs, such as the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma typically occurs in the outer layer, but it may also occur in its inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma is associated with a less favorable prognosis as in comparison to other mesothelioma types.
Chest pain, fatigue and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. It is important that victims undergo a thorough medical examination because this rare form of mesothelioma can be found in very few. It is important that patients inform their doctor if they've had any asbestos exposure in the past.
A CT scan or echocardiogram is usually the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can reveal fluid accumulation around the heart and visible pericardial tumours. If these tests reveal mesothelioma in the body, doctors can perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. These can include a biopsy and radiation.
A mesothelioma biopsies procedure is an operation where a tiny piece of tissue is removed from the affected area, and then examined under a microscope. This will aid doctors in determining the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease.
Patients with mesothelioma can be treated in cancer centers and special hospitals across the country. Based on the type of mesothelioma, treatment options could include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. In some cases, victims can qualify for health care at no cost or with a reduced price through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For mesothelioma patients, this financial assistance is vital to make treatment more accessible. Contact a VA-approved mesothelioma attorney to find out more about the benefits you can avail.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may develop in the linings of organs in the chest or abdomen. It can also develop in the lining around the testicles and the heart (pericardium and tunica vaginalis). The risk for men is higher than women for unknown reasons. Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor. Symptoms are not common for decades after asbestos exposure.
People exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than other people. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma's first sign is a persistent cough or chest pains. Mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as these symptoms are akin to other lung diseases. After being diagnosed, patients will undergo several tests to find out how far the cancer has spread and its stage.
These tests could include imaging scans and blood such as X-rays and CT scans. The mesothelioma doctor may also perform a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may be carried out using a core needle or laparoscopically. The biopsy should be carried out by a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma. Medical oncologists who are generalists are not qualified to recognize peritoneal msothelioma, and may misdiagnose it.
The results of the mesothelioma tests will aid doctors in determining the best treatment plan for you. Treatment will depend on the extent of the cancer and your general health. It is often possible to treat symptoms and treatments may include draining the lungs of fluid chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
Most types of mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy. These drugs can also cause harm to healthy cells. They can cause damage to ovarian tissues which can impact fertility. This is particularly relevant for peritoneal asbestosis which affects the area surrounding the reproductive organs.
The severity and type of mesothelioma, as well as your age and general health will determine how quickly you are treated and your prognosis. In the UK about 2700 people are diagnosed mesothelioma every year. It is common for the disease to be found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also form in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and less frequently around the heart or testicles.