Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers cause irritation and damage the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Eventually these abnormal cells transform into tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 - 50 years for symptoms to appear and are often confused with other ailments. A history of asbestos exposure is the only known risk factor.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest wall and lungs. The mesothelioma type is characterized by symptoms like chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Additionally, some patients have a buildup of fluid in the lung's space and chest wall, known as a Pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers irritate the lining of the lung and chest cavity. Over time, the irritated tissue forms tumors that expand into the pleura. The tumors may expand to the peritoneum or bones, and to the liver.
It typically takes 20 to 50 years for someone to develop pleural mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at highest risk of developing this disease. Shipyard workers and crews on ships and veterans, are at risk.
The patient could experience symptoms for several weeks prior to doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma. The symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and a dry cough. This condition may also result in an unprovoked loss of weight. A doctor can determine mesothelioma by taking a patient's history of exposure to asbestos and conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are often done. These tests may reveal fluid in the chest cavity, or a tumor near one of the lung's.
The first step in treating pleural mesothelioma is draining excess fluid. This can be accomplished by a doctor using the procedure known as thoracentesis. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube between two ribs inside the chest cavity. The tube lets doctors observe the area and take a sample of the pleural fluid. A doctor will then test the fluid to determine if it is cancerous or not.
The prognosis for pleural cancer is based on a variety of factors, such as the stage and extent of the cancer. The prognosis could be affected by patient's age and whether or not they smoke. The rate of survival for a person is also influenced by their overall health and how quickly they seek treatment following a diagnosis. Asbestos patients treated aggressively and early have the greatest chance of a favorable outcome.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs along the lining that covers the abdomen, referred to as the peritoneum. Although this mesothelioma type accounts for fewer cases than the most common form known as pleural mesothelioma is still a deadly disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos at work. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or ingested are absorbed by the digestive system and then travel through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal tissues. Once there, they irritate cells and damage DNA. Over time the inflammation that occurs can cause scar tissue and tumors to form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that can take years to develop. It can also be difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. Consequently, peritoneal msothelioma patients are often missed and delayed in their treatment.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever, as well as weight loss. They may be unable to digest food due to the accumulation of fluid in their abdomen. They are also at a higher-risk of developing anemia, and having low levels of albumin.
Like other types of mesothelioma, doctors detect peritoneal mesothelioma by taking an examination. The procedure involves removing an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests can reveal the kinds of cancerous cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid or epithelioid) and also determine the severity of the tumors.
Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma according to its location, amount of tumor growth, and the rate of spread to other tissues. The more extensive the tumors and the more aggressive cell type and the more advanced stage of the mesothelioma.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should see an expert doctor who is trained in this rare disease. Patients risk misdiagnosing their symptoms as an abdomen problem, and receiving delayed treatment. This can be a serious issue due to mesothelioma's long time of latency and requires a precise diagnosis to ensure the proper treatment.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
While peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma are the most common forms of asbestos-related cancer, patients may be diagnosed with mesothelioma pericardial. This rare type of disease develops when asbestos fibers invade the lining of the heart. It can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients who suffer from pericardial mesothelioma should disclose their past exposure to asbestos to their physicians and discuss any new symptoms with them.
Pericardial mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Researchers aren't sure of the root cause for this difference. Researchers aren't sure what causes this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma or the risk increases with the age.
After an examination of the body and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a physician may suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor can then request 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 is a condition that occurs mostly in the membrane that surrounds the heart. These symptoms can be very serious and interfere with the patient's ability an ordinary life. These symptoms could include chest pain breathing problems, breath shortness. In some instances the fluid may accumulate and cause pressure on the heart and cause cardiac tamponade.
mesothelioma lawsuit lawyers are able to help patients and their families receive the amount they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can look over the history of exposure for a patient and refer them with a mesothelioma specialist.
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Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs of the abdomen, chest or heart. It may also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other organs of the human body, like the kidneys, heart valves stomach, kidneys or stomach, are uncommon cases in which mesothelioma can occur. Mesothelioma is most common in the lungs or chest wall. However,
mesothelioma attorney can also occur in the abdominal cavity as well as the lining of the heart (pericardium).
Mesothelioma's main cause is asbestos exposure. Workers in blue-collar industry and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large quantities. Asbestos manufacturers knew that asbestos was dangerous however they failed to warn their employees or disclose the dangers. From the 1930s through the 1980s, asbestos was widely employed in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of
mesothelioma lawsuits, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
Most mesothelioma cases don't manifest until several years after the exposure. It is often misdiagnosed with other conditions. It can take between 20 and 60 years for symptoms to show after exposure to asbestos.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may include a shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, or fluids in the lungs. Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its rarity and the fact that it could be a symptom of other illnesses like lung cancer and pneumonia.
A doctor will review your medical history to find mesothelioma or other health issues. He or she will ask about your work history and whether you've been exposed asbestos. Mesothelioma is more common in people who worked in industries which handled or transported asbestos.
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. Radiation is sometimes used. Immunotherapy is an alternative method for treating mesothelioma. The research is still in its very early stages.