Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they irritate or damage the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). These abnormal cells eventually grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to appear and are often confused with other diseases. The only risk factor that is known is a history of asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and chest wall. Patients diagnosed with this form of mesothelioma usually suffer from symptoms like breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing. Additionally some patients experience the formation of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall, referred to as an the 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 may expand to the peritoneum or bones, as well as to the liver.
It can take between 20 and 50 years to develop pleural mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. The people who were exposed in the workplace to asbestos are at the greatest chance of developing the disease. Workers in shipyards and on ships as well as veterans, are at risk.
It could take a few weeks for a doctor to recognize the condition of pleural asbestosis. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and a dry cough. This condition can also cause an unprovoked loss of weight. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma by taking a medical history of the patient's asbestos exposure and conducting a physical examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are usually done. These tests can reveal accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lungs.
The first step to treat pleural msothelioma involves draining the excess fluid. Doctors can accomplish this by a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. This tube allows doctors to observe the area and take samples of the fluid in the pleural cavity. A doctor will then test the fluid to determine whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis of pleural cancer is based on a variety of factors, including the stage and extent of the cancer. The prognosis could also be affected by the patient's age as well as whether or not they smoke. The survival rate of a patient is also affected by their overall health and the speed at which they seek treatment following the diagnosis. Asbestos patients that are treated aggressively and early have the best chances of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs along the abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. This kind of mesothelioma is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma but it can still be fatal. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the most significant reason for mesothelioma peritoneal. Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed are absorbed by the digestive system and then travel through the lymphatic system to the tissues of the peritoneal region. Once inside, they irritate cells and damage DNA. As time passes, the inflammation that results creates scar tissue and causes tumours to form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can take years to develop. It is also difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal issues. In the end, patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are misdiagnosed or delay treatment.
Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma suffer severe abdominal pain and fever, and weight loss. They may have difficulty 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.
Similar to other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer by taking an examination. This involves the removal of an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests will reveal the kinds of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) and also determine how aggressive the tumors are.
Doctors assign a stage for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region based on its location, the amount of tumor growth and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more aggressive and extensive the cancerous cells are, the more advanced stage the mesothelioma is.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should see an expert doctor who is experienced in treating this rare illness. Patients are at risk of misdiagnosing their symptoms as abdominal pain and receiving treatment that is delayed. This could be a serious 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 pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma represent the most prevalent forms of asbestos-related cancer, patients may also be diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pericardium. This rare type of cancer develops when asbestos fibers invade the lining of your heart. It can be difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients who suffer from mesothelioma pericardial should report the history of exposure to asbestos to their doctors and share any recent symptoms with them.
Similar to pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma is usually seen in men more often than women. Researchers aren't sure of the root cause for this disparity. Researchers aren't sure what causes this difference. It could be due to different asbestos exposures that lead to pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.
A patient's doctor might begin to suspect pericardial mesothelioma after conducting a physical examination and asking about their asbestos exposure. The doctor may then ask for an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to determine whether there is evidence of the accumulation 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 hinder the patient's ability to lead an ordinary life. These symptoms can include chest pain breathing problems, breathlessness or shortness. In some cases the fluid can build-up and put tension on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related ailments can assist families and patients receive the compensation they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can examine the history of exposure for a patient and connect them to a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos patients in New York City and across the nation should consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in submitting a compensation claim. Contact us for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may affect the lining of organs in the chest, abdomen, or heart. It can also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other organs of the human body such as the kidneys, heart valves, stomach or kidneys, are rare cases where mesothelioma may occur. Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs or chest wall. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the abdominal cavity and the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Workers in blue-collar industry and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos producers knew asbestos was hazardous, but did not warn their employees or disclose the dangers. Asbestos was extensively used in shipbuilding, construction, power plants, and the military from the 1930s through the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.
Most of the time, mesothelioma does not appear until several years after exposure. Most often, the disease is not properly diagnosed. It can take between 20 to 60 years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Sandy Springs asbestos attorneys of mesothelioma can include breathlessness chest pain, persistent cough, or fluid in the lung. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because the disease is rare and because its symptoms are similar to those of many other ailments, including lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will conduct an examination of your medical history to check for mesothelioma-related symptoms and other health issues. They will ask about your employment history and if you've been exposed to asbestos. Workers in industries that handled or shipped asbestos are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than people who were not.
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the type of cancer and its stage. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatments. Sometimes, radiation is used. Immunotherapy is another option for treating mesothelioma. However, the research is still in its infancy.