mesothelioma lawsuitsAsbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma if they irritate or damage the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). In time the abnormal cells grow into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take between 10 and 50 years to manifest, and are often mistaken for other illnesses. The only risk factor that is known is asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest wall and lungs. This type of mesothelioma is distinguished by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, and breathing problems. In addition, some patients have the formation of fluid in the lung's cavity and chest wall, known as a the pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the tissues of the chest and lung. In time the irritated lining develops tumors that develop into the pleura. The tumors can grow to the peritoneum, bones, and the liver.
After exposure to asbestos, it can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for a person to 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 especially at risk.
It may take several weeks for a doctor to recognize pleural asbestosis. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing and a dry cough, chest pain and fatigue. A person with this condition might also experience an unusually low temperature and weight loss. A physician can identify mesothelioma through a detailed history of the patient's asbestos exposure and performing a physical exam. X-rays of the chest or CT scans can be taken. These tests may reveal fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor that is located near one of the lungs.
The first step to treat pleural msothelioma involves draining the excess fluid. Doctors can do this through a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. The tube lets doctors examine the area and collect a sample of the fluid from the pleural. Doctors can then analyze the fluid to determine if it is cancerous or non-cancerous.
The prognosis for patients with pleural mesothelioma depends on several factors including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. A patient's age as well as whether they smoke may influence the prognosis. The survival rate of a patient is also influenced by their overall health and how quickly they seek treatment after a diagnosis. Asbestos patients treated quickly and with a high degree of urgency have the best chances of a positive outcome.
Peritoneal
mesothelioma lawsuitPeritoneal mesothelioma develops along the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma however it is still fatal. Peritoneal
mesothelioma lawyers can be caused by exposure to asbestos while working. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in or ingested are absorbed by the digestive system and then move through the lymphatic system and into the tissue of the peritoneal area. Once inside they cause DNA damage and irritation to the cells. In time, the inflammation that results can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that can take years to develop. It can also be a difficult cancer to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal issues. 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 may have difficulty digesting food due to the fluid buildup in their abdomen. They also have greater risk of developing anemia and have low levels of albumin.
As with other types of mesothelioma, doctors detect peritoneal mesothelioma by taking a biopsy. This involves the removal of a small piece of affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests will reveal if the tumors are active or not, as well as the type of cancerous cells present (epithelioid sarcomatoid).
Doctors assign a stage for peritoneal
mesothelioma lawsuits in accordance with its location and size, as well as the extent of tumor growth and the rate of spread to other tissues. The larger the tumors and the more aggressive cell type is, the more advanced the mesothelioma stage.
Mesothelioma victims should always consult a mesothelioma doctor who has been trained specifically for this rare condition. Without such a physician patients run the risk of being misdiagnosed with a more common abdomen problem and getting delayed treatment. This could be a concern because mesothelioma can be a cancer that has a lengthy latent period. It requires a meticulous screening process to ensure right treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Patients could be diagnosed with pericardial tumors in addition to pleural or peritoneal asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of the disease occurs when asbestos fibers invade the heart's lining. It can be difficult to determine the cause since the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma should be advised to tell their doctors about their asbestos exposure history as well as any symptoms that have occurred recently.
Similar to pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma is usually seen in males more frequently than females. Researchers aren't sure what causes this difference. It could be that different asbestos exposures cause mesothelioma of the pericardium, or that 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 exam and asking about their asbestos exposure. The physician can then request a chest x-ray and CT scan to determine whether there is evidence of the accumulation of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion).
Pericardial Mesothelioma develops typically in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be severe and hinder the patient's ability to lead an ordinary life. They can include chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. In some cases, the fluid can accumulate and cause pressure on the heart and result in cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist patients and their families get the amount they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can examine a patient's past of exposure and connect them with a mesothelioma specialist.
Asbestos patients in New York City and across the country should speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in submitting a compensation claim. Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may affect the lining of organs like the chest, abdomen, or heart. It can also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other parts of the human body like the kidneys, heart valves, stomach or kidneys, are very rare instances where mesothelioma is a possibility. Mesothelioma is most often found in the lungs or chest wall. Mesothelioma also occurs in the tissue of your heart and abdominal cavity.
The exposure to asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos manufacturers were aware that asbestos was dangerous but did not warn their employees or disclose the dangers. Asbestos was used widely in construction, shipbuilding power plants, shipbuilding and in the military from the 1930s through the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.
Most mesothelioma cases are not diagnosed until years after exposure. It is often misdiagnosed as other diseases. It could take between 20 to 60 years for symptoms to show after exposure to asbestos.
A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs could be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is so rare and because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, including pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will conduct an examination of your medical history to check for mesothelioma symptoms and other health issues. They 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 shipped asbestos.
The treatment options for mesothelioma are contingent on the type of disease and its stage. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatment options. In some cases there is radiation treatment. Immunotherapy can also be used to treat mesothelioma. The research is in the very early stages of its development.