Ten Common Misconceptions About Asbestos Mesothelioma That Don t Always Hold
Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they cause irritation or damage to the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). These abnormal cells eventually develop into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years for symptoms to appear and are often confused with other diseases. The only known risk factor is a history of asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The lungs and the chest wall are affected by pleural mesothelioma. People diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma attorney generally suffer from symptoms like breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing. Certain patients also have a fluid buildup between the lung and the chest wall, called an pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the linings of the chest and lung. In time the lining that has been irritated forms tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors can grow to the peritoneum, bones, and the liver.
After asbestos exposure it can take between 20 and 50 years for a person to develop pleural mesothelioma. Those who were exposed at work to asbestos are at the greatest risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans working on ships and in shipyards are especially at risk.
The patient could experience symptoms for several weeks prior to a doctor diagnoses pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and a dry cough. A person with this condition could also experience a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma after obtaining a patient's history of asbestos exposure and conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are possible. These tests can reveal fluid within the chest cavity, or a tumor near one of the lung's.
The first step in treating pleural mesothelioma is draining excess fluid. Doctors can do this through a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a small tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. The tube lets doctors examine the area and then take a sample of the fluid from the pleural. The fluid can be tested by doctors to determine if it is cancerous.
The prognosis for patients with mesothelioma of the pleural is based on several factors, including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The prognosis can be affected by the patient's age and whether smoking cigarettes or not. The general health of a person as well as the speed at which they seek medical attention after being diagnosed can impact their chance of survival. Asbestos patients who receive treatment early and promptly have the best chances of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops along abdomen's lining, also known as the peritoneum. Although this form of mesothelioma has a lower incidence than the most prevalent form called pleural mesothelioma is still a deadly disease. Exposure to asbestos at work is the most significant cause of mesothelioma peritoneal. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or ingested enter the digestive tract, and then move through the lymphatic system to reach the tissue of the peritoneal area. Once there, they irritate cells and cause DNA damage. Over time, the resulting inflammation can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Like other mesothelioma types, peritoneal mesothelioma can take decades to appear. It is also difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. Thus, patients with peritoneal Msothelioma are often misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever, and weight loss. They might be unable to digest food due to the fluid buildup in their abdomen. They also are at the risk of developing anemia, and having low levels of albumin.
Similar to other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer with a biopsy. This involves the removal of an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests can reveal the kinds of cancerous cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid or epithelioid) and also determine the degree of aggressiveness of the tumors.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma based on its location, extent of tumor 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 mesothelioma has reached.
Patients with mesothelioma should consult an expert doctor who is trained in this rare disease. Patients may be being misdiagnosed as having an abdomen problem and receiving treatment later. This could be a major issue due to mesothelioma's long time of latency and requires a thorough diagnosis to ensure that the right treatment is given.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma are the most common types of asbestos-related cancers Patients may also be diagnosed with mesothelioma pericardial. This rare type of cancer develops when asbestos fibers infiltrate the tissue of your heart. The condition can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Patients who experience mesothelioma pericardial should report the history of exposure to asbestos to their doctors and share any recent symptoms with them.
Like pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma typically affects males more frequently than females. Researchers are unsure of the reason for this disparity. Researchers aren't certain what is causing this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma lawyer or the risk increases with age.
After a physical examination and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a doctor may suspect pericardial carcinoma. The doctor can then request an x-ray of the chest and CT scan to determine if there is any evidence of a build-up of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that covers the heart. These symptoms can be severe and interfere with the patient's ability to lead an ordinary life. The symptoms include chest discomfort, breathing difficulties and breathlessness or shortness. In some instances the fluid may accumulate and cause pressure on the heart and result in cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients and their families get the compensation they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related illnesses can look over the patient's history of exposure and connect them with a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos victims in New York City and across the country should talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients with making an action for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs of the abdomen, chest or heart. It can also occur in the lining of the eyes (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma attorney). 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 lungs or chest wall. Mesothelioma can also be found in the tissue of your heart and abdominal cavity.
Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was a risk, however they failed to warn their employees or inform them of the risks. Asbestos was extensively used in shipbuilding, construction power plants, shipbuilding and the military from the 1930s through the 1980s. The exposure to asbestos can cause the development of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
The majority of mesothelioma cases don't manifest until several years after exposure. It is often misdiagnosed with other conditions. The symptoms can manifest between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its rarity as well as the fact that it may mimic many other illnesses such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will collect a medical history to check for mesothelioma signs and other health issues. He or she will ask about your work history and whether you've been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more frequent for those who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos.
Mesothelioma treatment options depend on the type and stage of the disease. In the majority of cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatment options. In certain instances, radiation is used. Immunotherapy is also used to treat mesothelioma. However, the research is still in its infancy.