Ten Asbestos Mesothelioma Myths That Aren't Always True

Mesothelioma

Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when they damage or irritate the lung cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). These abnormal cells eventually transform into tumors.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can take between 10 and 50 years to manifest, and are often misinterpreted as other diseases. A history of asbestos exposure is the only known risk factor.

Pleural Mesothelioma

The lungs and the chest wall are affected by pleural mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma usually experience symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. Certain patients also have an accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and the lung, called a Pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lung's lining and the chest cavity. Over time the affected tissue develops tumors which grow into the pleura. The tumors may spread to the peritoneum, bones and liver.

After exposure to asbestos attorneys it can take between 20 and 50 years to develop pleural mesothelioma. Those who were exposed in the workplace to asbestos are at the greatest chance of developing the disease. Shipyard workers and those on ships, as well as veterans are at risk.

The patient could experience symptoms for several weeks before doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and dry cough. This condition can also cause an unprovoked loss of weight. A physician can diagnose mesothelioma following taking a patient's history of exposure to asbestos and then conducting an examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are usually performed. These tests can reveal fluid within the chest cavity, or a tumor near one of the lungs.

The first step to treating pleural mesothelioma is draining excess fluid. Doctors can accomplish this by a procedure called thoracentesis which involves inserting a thin tube into the chest cavity between two ribs. The tube lets doctors examine the area and collect samples of the fluid from the pleural. 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 size of the cancer. The prognosis could be affected by patient's age as well as whether smoking cigarettes or not. The general health of a patient and the speed at which they seek medical care after a diagnosis can also impact their chance of survival. Asbestos patients treated aggressively and early have the highest chance of a positive outcome.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen, referred to as the peritoneum. While this type of mesothelioma attorneys has a lower incidence than the most common form known as pleural mesothelioma is still a deadly disease. Exposure to asbestos at work is the primary cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in or consumed enter the digestive system, and then move through the lymphatic system and into the tissues of the peritoneal region. Once inside, they cause DNA damage and irritate the cells. In time, the inflammation causes scar tissue and tumors to grow.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that can take years to develop. It is also difficult to identify because its symptoms are similar to many other abdominal issues. As a result, peritoneal mesothelioma sufferers often get mistakenly diagnosed or delayed treatment.

People who have peritoneal mesothelioma experience extreme abdominal pain and fever and weight loss. They may have difficulty digesting food because of the buildup of fluid in their abdomen. They also are at greater risk of developing anemia and have low levels of albumin.

Like other types of cancer, doctors can diagnose the presence of peritoneal cancer with a biopsy. The procedure involves removing the affected tissue to be examined under microscope. These tests can reveal the kinds of cancerous cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) and also determine the severity of the tumors.

Doctors assign a peritoneal stage for mesothelioma based on its location, extent of growth and the rate at which it spreads to other tissues. The larger the tumors and the more aggressive cell type is, the more advanced the mesothelioma's stage.

Mesothelioma victims should always consult a mesothelioma attorneys specialist who has specialized training for this rare condition. Without such a physician, patients risk being misdiagnosed with an abdominal problem that is more common and getting delayed treatment. This can be a serious issue because mesothelioma has a long time of latency and requires a thorough diagnosis to ensure that the right treatment is given.

Cardiac mesothelioma lawsuit

Patients could be diagnosed with pericardial tumors in addition to peritoneal or pleural asbestos-related cancer. This rare form of the disease occurs when asbestos fibers are found in the heart's lining. It can be difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Patients with pericardial msothelioma are advised to tell their doctors about their asbestos exposure history as well as any recent signs.

Like pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma usually affects males more frequently than females. Researchers aren't sure of the reason for this disparity. Researchers aren't sure what causes this difference. It could be different asbestos exposures that cause pericardial mesothelioma or the risk increases with age.

After a physical examination and asking the patient about their exposure to asbestos, a doctor may suspect pericardial carcinoma. The physician can request a CT scan and chest x-rays to determine if there are signs of fluid accumulation around your heart (known as the pericardial effusion).

Pericardial mesothelioma typically develops in the membrane that encases the heart. These symptoms can be very severe and may affect the quality of life of a patient. These symptoms could include chest pain breathing difficulties, shortness or breath. In certain cases, the fluid may build up and cause pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.

Mesothelioma lawyers can assist patients and their families receive the amount they deserve if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Attorneys who specialize in asbestos-related illnesses can look over the patient's exposure history and refer them with a mesothelioma specialist.

Asbestos patients in New York City and across the country should speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to discuss their case. The attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm can assist patients with filing claims for compensation. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.

Reproductive Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the organs in the chest, abdomen, or the heart. It can also occur in the lining of the eyes (periocular mesothelioma) and testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Rarely, mesothelioma is found in other areas of the body, like the kidneys, stomach, or heart valves. Mesothelioma is most often found in the chest wall or lungs. However, mesothelioma can occur in the abdominal cavity as well as the heart's lining (pericardium).

The exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. 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 didn't warn their employees of the dangers or inform them about the risks. From the 1930s until the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding, construction and power plants. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer.

In most cases mesothelioma doesn't show up until several years after exposure. Often, the illness is not properly diagnosed. It can take between 20 and 60 years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may include breathlessness, chest pain, persistent cough, or fluids in the lungs. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because the disease is uncommon and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as pneumonia and lung cancer.

A doctor will examine your medical history in order to detect mesothelioma and other health issues. The doctor will inquire about your employment history and if you've been exposed to asbestos. Workers in industries that handled asbestos or shipped asbestos are more likely of developing mesothelioma compared to those who were not.

The treatment options for mesothelioma are contingent on the type of cancer and its stage. In most instances, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options. In certain instances there is radiation treatment. It is also possible to use immunotherapy to treat mesothelioma. The research is in the very early stages of its development.