What Is It That Makes Asbestos Mesothelioma So Famous
Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they cause irritation or damage to the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). Then these abnormal cells transform into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 - 50 years for symptoms to be noticed and are often confused with other illnesses. The only known risk factor is a history of asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the chest wall and lungs. Patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma usually suffer from symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. Some patients also experience a fluid buildup between the lung and the chest wall known as a pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers inflame the lining of the lung and chest cavity. In time the affected tissue develops tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors may grow to the peritoneum and bones, as well as to the liver.
It typically takes 20 to 50 years for a person to develop pleural mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at most risk of developing the disease. Blue-collar workers and veterans who work on ships and shipyards are particularly at risk.
It can take a few weeks for a doctor to recognize the condition as pleural asbestosis. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties and a dry cough, chest pain and fatigue. A person with this condition might also experience an unusually low temperature and weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma through a detailed history of the patient's asbestos exposure and performing a physical exam. The chest may be examined with X-rays, or CT scans can be taken. These tests can reveal accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor that surrounds one of the lung's.
The first step to treat pleural msothelioma is to drain the excess fluid. This can be accomplished by doctors through the procedure called thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin, flexible tube between two ribs in the chest cavity. 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 for pleural tumors depends on a number of factors, such as the stage and extent of the cancer. The prognosis may be affected by patient's age and whether smoking cigarettes or not. The rate of survival for a person is also affected by their general health and how quickly they seek treatment after the diagnosis. Asbestos patients who are treated aggressively and early have the best chances of a successful outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen, referred to as the peritoneum. This kind of mesothelioma is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, but it is still fatal. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma attorneys. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed enter the digestive tract, and then travel through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal tissues. Once inside, they cause DNA damage and can irritate the cells. Over time the inflammation that occurs can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is that can take years to develop. It can also be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. Thus, patients with peritoneal Msothelioma are often misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
Patients who suffer from peritoneal asbestos experience extreme abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. They may experience difficulty digesting food due to the buildup of fluid in their abdomen and have a higher 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 with a biopsy. This involves the removal of a small piece of affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests can reveal the types of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) and determine the severity of the tumors.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma depending on its location, amount of tumor growth, and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The more extensive and aggressive the cancerous cells are, the more advanced stage the mesothelioma is.
Patients with mesothelioma must consult a specialist doctor who is trained in this rare disease. Without a specialist patients are at risk of being misdiagnosed with a more common abdomen problem and receiving delayed treatment. This could be a major issue because mesothelioma has a long latency period and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure that the right treatment is given.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are among the most frequent types of asbestos-related cancers patients can also be diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This rare form of cancer occurs when asbestos fibers infiltrate the lining of your heart. It can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Patients who experience pericardial mesothelioma should disclose their history of exposure to asbestos to their medical professionals and share any recent symptoms with them.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the pericardial mesothelioma usually affects males more frequently than females. Researchers are unsure of the root cause for this distinction. Researchers are not sure the reason for this distinction. It could be different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial Mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.
A patient's doctor may be able to detect pericardial mesothelioma after performing 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 any indications of a build-up of fluid 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 can interfere with the quality of life of the patient. These symptoms can include chest discomfort breathing problems, shortness or breath. In certain cases, the fluid can build-up and cause tension on the heart, which can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist families and patients get the justice they deserve when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma lawsuits. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related diseases can examine the history of exposure for a patient and refer them to a mesothelioma expert.
Asbestos sufferers in New York City and across the country should talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer; Anotepad.com, to discuss their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in submitting an insurance claim. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the lining of organs such as 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 very rare instances where mesothelioma can occur. Mesothelioma is most often found in the chest wall or lungs. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the abdominal cavity as well as the heart's lining (pericardium).
Mesothelioma's main cause is asbestos exposure. People working in blue-collar industries as well as the military were exposed to massive amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was dangerous, however they did not warn employees or make clear the risks. Asbestos was extensively used in construction, shipbuilding, power plants, and the military from the 1930s through the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
Most cases of mesothelioma do not manifest until years after the exposure. Often, the illness is not properly diagnosed. The symptoms can manifest between 20 and 60 year after exposure to asbestos.
A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent cough or fluids in the lungs can be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is so rare and because its symptoms resemble many other illnesses, including pneumonia and lung cancer.
A doctor will review your medical history to identify mesothelioma as well as other health problems. The doctor will inquire about your working history and whether you've been exposed to asbestos. People who worked in industries that handled or shipped asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than those who did not.
Mesothelioma treatment options depend on the type and stage of the disease. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatment options. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy is a different option for treating mesothelioma. However the research is in its early stages.