Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, when they damage or irritate the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). In time the abnormal cells grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 - 50 years to show up and are often confused with other diseases. A history of asbestos exposure is the sole known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and chest wall. This type of mesothelioma is characterized by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Some patients also experience an accumulation of fluid between their lung and the chest wall which is known as an Pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the linings of the chest and lung. As time passes, the irritated tissue forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors can spread to the peritoneum, bones, and the liver.
After exposure to asbestos it could take anywhere from 20 to 50 year for a person develop pleural Mesothelioma. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at most risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers as well as veterans working on ships or in shipyards are particularly at risk.
A patient may be afflicted with symptoms for several weeks prior to the doctor determines that pleural mesothelioma is the cause. It is possible to experience breathing problems and a dry cough, chest pain, and fatigue. Patients suffering from this condition could also experience a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma after obtaining a patient's history of exposure to asbestos and conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are usually done. These tests can reveal fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor that is located near one of the lung's.
The first step in treating mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. Doctors can do this with the procedure known as thoracentesis which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. The tube lets doctors examine the area and then take samples of the fluid in the pleural cavity. Doctors can then analyze the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis for pleural cancer is contingent on a variety of factors, such as the stage and severity of the cancer. tuscaloosa asbestos lawsuit as well as whether they smoke can also impact prognosis. The general health of a person as well as the speed at which they seek medical treatment after a diagnosis can also impact their chance of survival. Asbestos victims who are treated early and with a high degree of urgency have the best chances of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs along the lining that surrounds the abdomen, also known as the peritoneum. Although this mesothelioma type has a lower incidence than the more common type, pleural mesothelioma, it is still a fatal disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure at work. This is because ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers enter the digestive tract, then pass through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal tissue. Once inside, they irritate cells and damage DNA. As time passes, the resulting inflammation can cause scar tissue and tumors to grow.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that can take years to develop. It can also be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. In the end, peritoneal mesothelioma sufferers often get wrongly diagnosed or delay treatment.
People with peritoneal asbestosis experience extreme abdominal discomfort as well as fever and weight loss. They may experience difficulty digesting food due to the buildup of abdominal fluid and have a higher risk of developing anemia, or low levels of albumin in their blood.
Similar to other types, doctors identify the presence of peritoneal cancer with an examination. This procedure involves removing a small piece of affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests can reveal the kinds of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) and also determine the degree of aggressiveness of the tumors.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma depending on its location, amount of growth and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are and the more advanced mesothelioma has reached.
Patients with mesothelioma should consult an expert doctor who is trained in this rare disease. Patients risk not recognizing their symptoms as an abdominal problem, and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a serious problem because mesothelioma is a long time of latency and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are the most common forms of asbestos-related cancer, patients may also be diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pericardium. This rare type of disease occurs when asbestos fibers are found in the lining of the heart. It can be difficult to determine the cause because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Patients suffering from pericardial msothelioma are advised to tell their doctors about their asbestos exposure history as well as any recent signs.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more common in males than females. Researchers aren't sure of the root cause for this difference. It could be that different asbestos exposures trigger mesothelioma pericardial, or the risk of developing the disease increases with the age of one.
A patient's doctor may be able to detect pericardial mesothelioma after conducting a physical examination and asking about their exposure to asbestos. The doctor can then request an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to determine if there is any evidence of fluid accumulation around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs most often in the lining of the heart. the heart. These symptoms can be serious and hinder the patient's ability to lead a normal life. They can be accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. In some cases the fluid can accumulate and put an increase in pressure on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can assist families and patients receive the financial compensation they need when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can examine a patient's past of exposure and connect them with mesothelioma specialists.
Asbestos patients in New York City or anywhere else should speak with an attorney with mesothelioma for their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients when making a claim for compensation. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs of the abdomen, chest, or the heart. It can also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other areas of the body, including the kidneys, stomach, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs and chest wall. However, mesothelioma may also be found in the abdominal cavity as well as the heart's lining (pericardium).
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was a risk, but did not warn their employees or inform them of the dangers. From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding and power plants. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer.
In most cases, mesothelioma does not appear until several years after exposure. Most often, the disease is misdiagnosed. It could take between 20 and 60 years for symptoms to show after exposure to asbestos.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may include breathlessness chest pain, persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because the disease is so uncommon and its symptoms are similar to those of other ailments, including pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will take a medical history to check for mesothelioma signs and other health issues. He or she will ask about your employment history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos.
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the type of disease and its stage. In the majority of cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options. Radiation is sometimes used. Immunotherapy is another option for treating mesothelioma. The research is in the very early stages of its development.