Ten Myths About Asbestos Mesothelioma That Aren't Always True
Mesothelioma Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they irritate or damage the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). Then the abnormal cells grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 – 50 years to appear and are often confused with other diseases. An asbestos-related history is the only known risk factor. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma affects the lung and chest wall. This kind of mesothelioma is identified by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, and breathing problems. In addition some patients experience a buildup of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall, known as an Pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the linings of the chest and lung. 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. After asbestos exposure it can take between 20 and 50 years for a person to develop pleural Mesothelioma. The people who were exposed at work 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 can take a few weeks for a doctor to recognize the condition of pleural asbestosis. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing and a dry cough, chest pain, and fatigue. Patients suffering from this condition might also experience a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma following obtaining a patient's background on asbestos exposure and conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are often performed. 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 done by a doctor using the procedure known as thoracentesis. It involves insertion of a thin flexible tube between two ribs inside the chest cavity. The tube lets doctors examine the area and collect a sample of the fluid in the pleural cavity. The fluid can be analyzed by a doctor to determine whether it is cancerous. The prognosis of a patient with mesothelioma pleural depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of the tumor as well as the extent of the cancer. The patient's age and smoking habits can affect the prognosis. A person's survival rate is also influenced by their general health and the speed at which they seek treatment following an diagnosis. Asbestos patients who are treated aggressively and early have the best chances of a favorable outcome. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs along the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. While this type of mesothelioma is less prevalent than the more common type called pleural mesothelioma is still a deadly disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos at work. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in or ingested are absorbed by the digestive system and then travel through the lymphatic system to the tissue of the peritoneal area. Once inside, they cause DNA damage and can irritate the cells. As time passes the inflammation that occurs causes scar tissue and tumours to develop. Like other forms of mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form that can take decades to appear. It is also a difficult cancer to detect because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. Thus, patients with peritoneal Msothelioma are often missed and delayed in treatment. People who suffer from peritoneal asbestos experience severe abdominal pain and fever, as well as weight loss. They may have trouble digesting food due to the accumulation 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 cancer, doctors can diagnose peritoneal cancer through the use of a biopsy. This procedure involves removing the affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests will 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 growth and rate of spreading to other tissues. The more extensive and aggressive the cancerous cells are and the more advanced mesothelioma is. Patients with mesothelioma should consult an expert doctor who is specially trained in this rare condition. Without such a physician, patients risk being misdiagnosed as a more common abdomen problem and getting delayed treatment. This could be a serious problem because mesothelioma is a lengthy latency time and requires a thorough diagnosis to ensure that the right treatment is given. Cardiac Mesothelioma While peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma represent the most prevalent forms of asbestos-related cancer, patients may be diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This rare form of disease develops when asbestos fibers infiltrate the tissue of the heart. The condition is difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients with pericardial msothelioma are advised to tell their doctors about their asbestos exposure history and any symptoms that have occurred recently. Like pleural mesothelioma, the pericardial mesothelioma is usually seen in men more often than women. Researchers aren't sure of the root cause for this distinction. 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. After a physical examination and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a doctor might suspect pericardial cancer. dearborn asbestos lawsuit can request an CT scan and chest xray to determine if there are any indications of a build-up of fluid around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion). Pericardial mesothelioma usually develops in the membrane that covers the heart. These symptoms can be very serious and interfere with the patient's ability a normal life. They can be accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing and breath shortness. In certain cases the fluid may build up and pressure on the heart can result in cardiac tamponade. Mesothelioma lawyers can help families and patients get the compensation they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can examine a patient's past of exposure and refer them to a mesothelioma specialist. Asbestos sufferers in New York City or anywhere else should speak with a mesothelioma attorney to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in filing a compensation claim. Contact us now for a no-cost consultation. No charge is made in the event that we are unable to recover compensation for you. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma can affect the lining of organs such as the chest, abdomen, 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 or kidneys, are uncommon cases in which mesothelioma can occur. Mesothelioma is most often found in the chest wall or lungs. Mesothelioma can also be found in the tissue of your heart and the abdominal cavity. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Workers in blue-collar industry and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos manufacturers were aware asbestos was a risk, however they failed to warn their employees or make clear the dangers. From the 1930s until the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. The exposure to asbestos can cause the development of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma does not appear until several years after exposure. Often, the illness is misdiagnosed. It can 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 are symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because the disease is uncommon and its symptoms resemble many other diseases, such as lung cancer and pneumonia. A doctor will collect an medical history to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms and other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your work history, and whether you were exposed to asbestos. Workers in industries that handled asbestos or shipped asbestos are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than people who were not. Mesothelioma treatment options depend on the type and stage of the disease. In the majority of cases, chemotherapy and surgery are the standard treatment options. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy is another option to treat mesothelioma. However, the research is still in its infancy.