Mesothelioma

Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, when they damage or irritate the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). These abnormal cells eventually transform into tumors.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years for symptoms to be noticed and are often confused with other diseases. The only risk factor that is known is asbestos exposure.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung and chest wall. People diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma typically have symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulty and coughing. Some patients also experience an accumulation of fluid between their lung and the chest wall which is known as a Pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the tissues of the chest and lung. In time, the irritated lining forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors may spread to the peritoneum and bones, as well as to the liver.

After exposure to asbestos, it can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for a person to develop pleural mesothelioma. Anyone who was exposed to asbestos litigation in the workplace are at the highest risk of developing this disease. Blue-collar workers as well as veterans working on ships and 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. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties or coughing, dry chest pain and fatigue. A person with this condition could also experience a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma following getting a patient's medical background on asbestos exposure and performing an examination. X-rays of the chest or CT scans may be performed. These tests can reveal accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor that surrounds one of the lungs.

The first step in treating mesothelioma of the pleura is to eliminate excess fluid. This can be accomplished by doctors using a procedure called thoracentesis. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube between two ribs within the chest cavity. The tube lets doctors examine the area and collect an ounce of fluid from the pleural. The fluid can be tested by doctors to determine if it is cancerous.

The prognosis for pleural tumors depends on a number of factors, including the stage and extent of the cancer. A patient's age as well as whether they smoke may also impact prognosis. The general health of a patient and how quickly they seek medical care following a diagnosis may impact their chance of survival. Asbestos sufferers who seek treatment early and aggressively have the greatest chance of a successful outcome.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. This kind of mesothelioma is less frequent than pleural mesothelioma but it can still be fatal. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos while working. This is because ingested or inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed by the digestive tract and then pass through the lymphatic system and into the peritoneal tissue. Once they are there, they cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. Over time, the inflammation that results can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.

Like other forms of mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form that can take decades to appear. It can also be difficult to identify because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal issues. As a result, peritoneal mesothelioma sufferers often get mistakenly diagnosed or delayed treatment.

People with peritoneal mesothelioma experience severe abdominal pain and fever, and weight loss. They may have trouble digesting food due to the buildup of fluid in their abdomen and are at a greater risk of developing anemia, or low levels of albumin in their blood.

As with other types of mesothelioma, doctors identify peritoneal mesothelioma with an examination. The aim of this procedure is to take an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope by a mesothelioma specialist. These tests will reveal the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid or epithelioid) and also determine how aggressive the tumors are.

Doctors assign a stage for peritoneal mesothelioma based on its location, the amount of growth of the tumor and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The more extensive and aggressive the cancerous cells are in the stage of advanced mesothelioma has reached.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should see an expert doctor who is trained in this rare disease. Patients are at risk of being misdiagnosed as having an abdomen problem and receiving treatment later. This could be a serious problem because mesothelioma is a lengthy latency time and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.

Cardiac Mesothelioma

Patients could be diagnosed with pericardial cancer in addition to peritoneal or pleural asbestos-related cancer. This rare type of disease develops when asbestos fibers infiltrate the heart's lining. It is often difficult to identify the condition because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma should be advised to inform their doctors about their asbestos exposure history and any recent signs.

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Researchers are unsure of the cause of this disparity. Researchers aren't certain what is causing this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.

A patient's physician may begin to suspect pericardial mesothelioma after conducting a physical exam and asking about their exposure to asbestos. The physician can request a CT scan and chest x-ray to determine if there are signs of fluid accumulation around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).

Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that typically affects the membrane that covers the heart. These symptoms can be very serious and interfere with the patient's ability to live a normal life. The symptoms include chest pain breathing difficulties, shortness or breath. In certain cases, the fluid can accumulate and put pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.

Mesothelioma lawyers are able to help families and patients get the amount they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can review the history of exposure for a patient and refer them to a mesothelioma expert.

Asbestos patients in New York City or anywhere else should consult a mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in submitting a compensation claim. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. No charge is made in the event that we are unable to recover compensation for you.

Reproductive Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs in the abdomen, chest, or heart. It may also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other parts of the human body, such as the heart valves, kidneys, stomach or kidneys, are uncommon cases in which mesothelioma is a possibility. Mesothelioma is most common in the chest wall or lungs. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the abdominal cavity and the interior of the heart (pericardium).

The exposure to asbestos is the most common reason for mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and the military were exposed to massive amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos manufacturers were aware asbestos was a risk, but they did not inform their employees or make clear the risks. Asbestos was extensively used in construction, shipbuilding power plants, and the military from the 1930s to the 1980s. The exposure to asbestos claim can result in the development of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos lawyer-related ailments.

Most mesothelioma cases do not manifest until years after the exposure. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. It could take between 20 to 60 years for symptoms to show after exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can include a shortness of breath and chest pain, as well as persistent cough, or fluids in the lungs. Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because of its rarity and the fact that it can be a symptom of other illnesses like pneumonia and lung cancer.

A doctor will examine your medical history to identify mesothelioma as well as other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your working history and whether you've been exposed asbestos. Mesothelioma is more frequent in people who worked in industries which handled or transported asbestos.

Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type of disease and its stage. In most instances, surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatment options. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy can also be used to treat mesothelioma. The research is in its early stages.