Test: How Much Do You Know About Asbestos Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they damage or irritate the lung cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). These abnormal cells can develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma take 10 – 50 years to appear and are often confused with other diseases. The only known risk factor is a history of asbestos exposure. Pleural Mesothelioma The lungs and the chest wall are affected by pleural mesothelioma. The mesothelioma type is identified by symptoms like chest pain, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Some patients also have a fluid buildup between the lung and the wall of the chest, called a the pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lining of the lung and chest cavity. In time, the irritated tissue forms tumors that grow into the pleura. The tumors can grow to the peritoneum, bones and the liver. It usually takes between 20 and 50 years to develop pleural cancer following exposure to asbestos. Anyone who was exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at most risk of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and those on ships, as well as veterans, are at risk. It could take a few weeks before a doctor can diagnose the condition of pleural asbestosis. The symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and a dry cough. A patient with this condition could also experience a low fever and unexplained weight loss. A physician can determine mesothelioma by obtaining a patient's history of asbestos exposure and then conducting an examination. The chest may be examined with X-rays, or CT scans can be taken. These tests may reveal an accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity or a tumor around one of the lungs. The first step in treating pleural msothelioma involves draining the excess fluid. Doctors can do this with 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 collect an ounce of fluid from the pleural. The fluid can be tested by doctors to determine if it is cancerous. A patient's prognosis for pleural mesothelioma depends on several factors including the stage of the tumor and the extent of the cancer. The patient's age and whether they smoke can influence the prognosis. A person's survival rate is also affected by their general health and how quickly they seek treatment following a diagnosis. Asbestos patients that are treated promptly and aggressively have the best chances of a favorable outcome. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops along lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Although this mesothelioma type is less prevalent than the most prevalent form known as pleural mesothelioma is still a deadly disease. Work-related exposure to asbestos is the main cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed enter the digestive system, and then travel through the lymphatic system and into the peritoneal tissues. Once inside they cause DNA damage and irritation to the cells. In time, the inflammation causes scar tissue to form and tumors to form. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that can take years to develop. It's also a challenging cancer to identify because its symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal issues. In the end, patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often are mistakenly diagnosed or delayed treatment. People who have peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever as well as weight loss. They may have difficulty 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. Similar to other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer by taking a biopsy. This procedure involves removing an insignificant portion of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. These tests will reveal the kinds of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) and determine the severity of the tumors. Doctors assign a peritoneal stage to mesothelioma depending on its location, amount of tumor growth, and rate of spreading to other tissues. The more extensive and aggressive the cancerous cells are and the more advanced the mesothelioma is. Mesothelioma victims should always seek out a mesothelioma physician who has been trained specifically for this rare condition. Without such a physician patients are at risk of being misdiagnosed as a more common abdomen problem and getting delayed treatment. This could be a major issue due to mesothelioma's lengthy latency time and requires a careful diagnosis to ensure proper treatment. Cardiac Mesothelioma While peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma are among the most frequent types of asbestos-related cancers patients can also be diagnosed with mesothelioma pericardial. Moreno Valley asbestos attorneys of disease occurs when asbestos fibers infiltrate the tissue of the heart. It can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Patients who experience pericardial mesothelioma should disclose the history of exposure to asbestos to their doctors and discuss any new symptoms with them. Like pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma usually affects males more frequently than females. Researchers are unsure of the reason for this disparity. It could be that different asbestos exposures cause mesothelioma pericardial, or the risk of developing the disease increases with age. After a physical examination and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a doctor may suspect pericardial carcinoma. The doctor can then request a chest x-ray and CT scan to determine if there is any evidence of fluid accumulation around the heart (known as pericardial effusion). Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs mostly in the lining of the heart. the heart. These symptoms can be very serious and can interfere with a patient's quality of life. They can be accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing and breath shortness. In some instances the fluid may build up and pressure on the heart can lead to cardiac tamponade. Mesothelioma lawyers can assist patients and their families receive the justice they deserve when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can review a patient's history of exposure and connect them with mesothelioma specialists. Asbestos patients in New York City or anywhere else should consult an attorney with mesothelioma for their case. The lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients with filing a compensation claim. Contact us today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to get compensation for you. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs in the chest, abdomen, or the heart. It can also affect the lining of the eyes (periocular) and testicles. Other organs of the human body like the heart valves, kidneys stomach or kidneys are very rare instances where mesothelioma is a possibility. Mesothelioma typically develops in the chest wall and lungs. Mesothelioma also occurs in the heart's lining and abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is mostly caused by asbestos exposure. Workers in blue-collar industry and the military in the United States were exposed to asbestos in large amounts. Asbestos producers knew asbestos was hazardous, but they did not inform their employees or disclose the risks. Asbestos was used widely in construction, shipbuilding power plants and in the military during the 1930s and into the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos could result in mesothelioma development, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases. Most cases of mesothelioma do not manifest until years after the exposure. The disease is often misdiagnosed. The symptoms can manifest between 20 and 60 year after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma symptoms can include shortness of breath chest pain, persistent cough, or fluid in the lungs. Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its rarity and the fact that it may be a symptom of other illnesses like lung cancer and pneumonia. A doctor will examine your medical history in order to identify mesothelioma as well as other health problems. He or she will ask about your work history and whether you've been exposed asbestos. Mesothelioma is more frequent among those who worked in industries which handled or transported asbestos. Mesothelioma treatment options are contingent upon the type and severity of the disease. In the majority of instances, surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatment options. Radiation therapy is sometimes utilized. Immunotherapy is also used to treat mesothelioma. The research is still in its early stages.