Ten Asbestos Mesothelioma Myths That Aren't Always True

Mesothelioma Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers inflame and harm the cells that line the lung (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The abnormal cells then grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 – 50 years for symptoms to appear and are often confused with other diseases. An asbestos-related history is the only known risk factor. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and chest wall. Patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma generally experience symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulty and coughing. Additionally, some patients have a buildup of fluid in the lung's cavity and chest wall, which is known as an pleural effusion. Asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the tissues of the chest and lung. In time the tissue that has been irritated forms tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors may spread to the peritoneum and bones, and to the liver. It can take between 20 and 50 years to develop pleural mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. Those who were exposed in the workplace to asbestos are at the greatest risk of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and those on ships and veterans, are at risk. It may take several weeks before a doctor can diagnose pleural asbestosis. It is possible to experience breathing problems, a dry cough, chest pain and fatigue. Patients suffering from this condition may also have a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma after taking a medical history of the patient's exposure to asbestos and performing a physical exam. The chest may be examined with X-rays, or CT scans can be taken. These tests can reveal fluid within the chest cavity or a tumor in one of the lung's. The first step to treat pleural msothelioma is to drain 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. This tube allows doctors to examine the area and then take samples of the fluid from the pleural. The fluid can be examined by a doctor to determine whether it is cancerous. A patient's prognosis for mesothelioma pleural depends on a variety of factors including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The prognosis could be affected by patient's age as well as whether or not they smoke. The general health of a person and how quickly they seek medical attention after a diagnosis can also affect their survival rate. Asbestos patients treated quickly and with a high degree of urgency have the greatest chance of a positive 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. Work-related exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested enter the digestive tract, and then travel through the lymphatic system to reach the tissues of the peritoneal region. Once inside they cause DNA damage and can irritate the cells. As time passes, the resulting inflammation causes scar tissue and tumors to develop. Peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is that can take years to develop. It can also be a difficult cancer to detect because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal problems. As a result, peritoneal mesothelioma sufferers often get mistakenly diagnosed or delayed treatment. People who have peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever as well as weight loss. They might have difficulty digesting food because of the fluid buildup in their abdomen. They are also at greater risk of developing anemia and low levels of albumin. As with other forms of mesothelioma, doctors detect peritoneal mesothelioma by taking the use of a biopsy. The procedure involves removing the affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests can reveal whether the tumors are active or not, as well as the kind of cancerous cells that are present (epithelioid sarcomatoid). Doctors assign a peritoneal phase to mesothelioma according to the location of the tumor, the extent of growth and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The more extensive the tumors and the more aggressive the cell type and the more advanced mesothelioma stage. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should see an expert doctor who is trained in this rare disease. Without a specialist, patients risk being misdiagnosed with a more common abdomen problem and getting delayed treatment. This could be a serious issue due to mesothelioma's long time of latency and requires a precise diagnosis to ensure the proper treatment. Cardiac Mesothelioma Although peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma represent the most prevalent types of asbestos-related cancers Patients may also be diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This rare form of cancer occurs when asbestos fibers invade the heart's lining. The condition is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. orange asbestos lawsuit who suffer from mesothelioma of the pericardium should discuss their past exposure to asbestos to their physicians and share any recent symptoms with them. Pericardial mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Researchers are unsure of the reason for this difference. It could be that different asbestos exposures cause mesothelioma pericardial, or the likelihood of developing the disease increases with age. After a physical examination and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a physician might suspect pericardial cancer. The doctor may then ask for an x-ray chest scan and CT scan to determine if there is any evidence of a build-up of fluid around the heart (known as pericardial effusion). Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be extremely grave and could affect a patient's quality of life. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. In some cases the fluid may build up and put pressure on the heart, which can cause cardiac tamponade. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related diseases can assist families and patients receive the compensation they deserve when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related illnesses can look over the patient's history of exposure and refer them to a mesothelioma expert. Asbestos sufferers in New York City and across the country should talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients in submitting a compensation 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 linings of organs in the chest, abdomen, or the heart. It can also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other parts 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 chest wall or lungs. Mesothelioma can also be found in the heart's lining and the abdominal cavity. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. People working in blue-collar industries as well as the military were exposed to huge amounts of asbestos in the United States. Asbestos manufacturers were aware that asbestos was dangerous however they failed to warn their employees or make clear the risks. From the 1930s until the 1980s, asbestos was extensively used in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. Most mesothelioma cases are not diagnosed until years after exposure. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other diseases. It could take between 20 to 60 years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, persistent cough or fluids in the lungs can be symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify due to its rarity and the fact that it can be a sign of many other illnesses, such as pneumonia and lung cancer. A doctor will review your medical history in order to find mesothelioma or other health problems. They will ask about your working history and whether you have been exposed to asbestos. Workers in industries that handled or shipped asbestos are more likely of developing mesothelioma compared to those who did not. The treatment options for mesothelioma are contingent on the type of cancer and its stage. In the majority of instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options. In some cases radiation therapy is also used. Immunotherapy can also be used to treat mesothelioma. The research is in the very early stages of its development.