Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause irritation and cause damage to the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Eventually 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. The only known risk factor is a history of asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The lungs and the chest wall are affected by pleural melanoma. This kind of mesothelioma is characterized by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, and breathing difficulties. In addition some patients experience the formation of fluid in the lung's cavity and chest wall, known as an Pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers inflame the lung's lining and chest cavity. Over time the lining that has been irritated forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors can spread to the peritoneum, bones and the liver.
It usually takes between 20 and 50 years to develop pleural mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed at work to asbestos are at the highest risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans who work on ships and in shipyards are especially at risk.
A patient may be afflicted with symptoms for a few weeks before the doctor determines that pleural mesothelioma is the cause. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing and a dry cough, chest pain and fatigue. A patient with this condition may also have an unusually low temperature and weight loss. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma after taking a patient's history of exposure to asbestos and conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are commonly done. These tests may reveal fluid in the chest cavity, or a tumor near one of the lungs.
The first step in treating pleural msothelioma is draining the excess fluid. Doctors can do this through a procedure called thoracentesis, which involves inserting a small tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. This tube allows doctors to examine the area and then take a sample of the pleural fluid. Doctors can then analyze the fluid to determine if it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis for patients with mesothelioma of the pleural is based on several factors such as the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. A patient's age as well as smoking habits can also impact prognosis. The general health of a person as well as the speed at which they seek medical care following a diagnosis may impact their chance of survival. Asbestos patients who receive treatment early and with a high degree of urgency have the greatest chances of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma however it is still fatal. Exposure to asbestos at work is the most significant cause of mesothelioma peritoneal. Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested enter the digestive tract, and then travel through the lymphatic system to the tissues of the peritoneal region. Once inside rochester asbestos attorneys cause DNA damage and can irritate the cells. In time the inflammation that occurs can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Like other forms of mesothelioma the peritoneal mesothelioma may take decades to appear. It can also be difficult to identify because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal problems. Consequently, peritoneal msothelioma patients are often misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
Patients with peritoneal asbestosis experience extreme abdominal discomfort as well as fever and weight loss. They may experience difficulty digesting food due to the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen and are at a greater risk of developing anemia, or low levels of albumin in their blood.
Like other types of mesothelioma. Doctors can detect peritoneal mesothelioma by taking a biopsy. The purpose of this procedure is to take a small sample of the affected tissue to be examined under an microscope by mesothelioma specialists. These tests will reveal the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid or epithelioid) and determine the degree of aggressiveness of the tumors.
Doctors assign a stage to mesothelioma in the peritoneal region, in accordance with its location and the extent of tumor growth and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The larger the tumors and the more aggressive cell type and the more advanced mesothelioma's stage.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should see a specialist doctor trained in this rare disease. Patients risk misdiagnosing their symptoms as an abdominal problem, and receiving delayed treatment. This can be a problem because mesothelioma is a cancer with a long latent period. It requires a meticulous diagnosis to ensure the right treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients may be diagnosed with pericardial cancer in addition to pleural or peritoneal asbestos-related cancer. This rare type of disease is caused by asbestos fibers that are found in the lining of the heart. It is often difficult to determine the cause since the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Patients who suffer from mesothelioma of the pericardium should discuss the history of exposure to asbestos to their physicians and share any recent symptoms with them.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the pericardial mesothelioma is usually seen in males more frequently than females. Researchers are unsure of the root cause for this distinction. Researchers aren't certain what is causing this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.
After an examination of the body and questioning the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a physician might suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor can then request an x-ray of the chest and CT scan to determine if there is any evidence of the accumulation of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that typically affects the membrane that covers the heart. These symptoms can be very serious and hinder the patient's ability to live an ordinary life. They can include chest pain, breathing difficulties and breath shortness. In certain cases, the fluid can build-up 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 get the money they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related diseases can examine the patient's history of exposure and refer them to a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City or anywhere else should contact an attorney for mesothelioma to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm are available to assist patients in making an action for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs of the chest, abdomen, or heart. It can also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other parts of the body, such as the stomach, kidneys, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs and chest wall. However, mesothelioma can be found in the abdominal cavity as well as the heart's lining (pericardium).
Mesothelioma is mostly caused by asbestos exposure. Blue-collar workers and the military were exposed to large amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was dangerous, however they did not inform employees of the dangers or inform them about the risks. From the 1930s until the 1980s, asbestos was extensively used in construction, shipbuilding and power plants. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma and lung cancer and other asbestos-related ailments.
Most mesothelioma cases are not diagnosed until years after the exposure. Most often, the disease is not properly diagnosed. It can take between 20 and 60 years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms can include a shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, or fluids in the lung. Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its rarity as well as the fact that it can be a symptom of other illnesses such as lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will collect an medical history to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms and other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your working history and whether you have been exposed to asbestos. The people who worked in industries that handled or transported asbestos are more likely of developing mesothelioma than those who were not.
Mesothelioma treatment options depend on the type and stage of the disease. In most cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatments. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy is another option to treat mesothelioma. However the research is in its infancy.