Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth that occurs in the organs' linings like the abdomen and lungs (pleura), is caused by asbestos exposure. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of tiny fibres.
Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 20 and 60 years after exposure. Blood tests and X-rays can help diagnose mesothelioma, as and also show how far it has taken over.
Pleural
mesothelioma lawsuitsPleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells form in the lining around the lungs (pleura). Pleura is a double layer of tissue that covers most organs. Cancerous pleural msothelioma is most often found in the lungs or the chest wall. This can cause symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.
Asbestos is the leading cause of pleural msothelioma. When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can travel through the throat and into the lungs where they can damage the lining. This could cause inflammation and scarring, which may cause changes that lead to an out of control growth of cells.
Some people exposed to asbestos may not notice symptoms until years after the initial exposure. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma can take several years or more to develop. Those diagnosed with the disease typically are men and people assigned male at birth, older adults who worked in industries that employed large quantities of asbestos prior to when it was regulated or used in the military, especially in the Navy.
The symptoms can vary based on the location of the tumor and are usually caused by pressure or swelling near the affected lung. These symptoms can include coughing, back or chest pains, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. X-rays, CT or MRI scans can be used to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed by doctors, they will determine the stage of the disease to help determine the best treatment options.
The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has created the staging system. The first step in determining the stage of the disease is to perform a biopsy and review the patient's medical records. X-rays or chest MRI are also used to determine if there are tumors, or other abnormalities, that may indicate mesothelioma.
There are three different kinds of mesothelioma, which can be categorized based on the kind of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most common type of malignant mesothelioma (60% to 80percent of cases). It is usually easier to treat than other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second most frequent kind of mesothelioma (between 10 15% and 10 percent of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is less prevalent than
mesothelioma lawsuits of the pleural region. Like all mesotheliomas, the peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this kind of mesothelioma by ingesting asbestos fibers rather than inhaling them. This type of mesothelioma typically occurs in older individuals and is more prevalent for women than men.
Mesothelioma can take a long time to show signs and the non-specific nature of its initial stages makes it difficult to identify. Experts in mesothelioma have the expertise to identify the disease. A thorough patient history, as well as blood and imaging tests, will help doctors make the mesothelioma diagnosis.
Once mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will determine the stage of the cancer by using the TNM system. The staging system outlines the extent of the tumors' spread and affects treatment options. The lower the stage the more treatment options are available.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can be so rare, it is hard to recognize. This condition can have symptoms that are similar to other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen including abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Patients with unexplained symptoms are advised to consult a doctor.
The doctor will first perform a physical examination and take basic blood tests. If these tests show the possibility of having a cancer, an oncologist will conduct more thorough diagnostic tests, including biopsies. This will provide an accurate image of a person's health and identify any potential mesothelioma symptoms.
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of all mesothelioma cases. Exposure to asbestos typically occurs at work, but it can also happen in the home or at schools. Asbestos exposure is the most hazardous when it occurs over a long period of time. Mesothelioma is caused due to asbestos dust or particles that enter the body and causing inflammation or irritation. Over time inflammation and irritation can cause cells to change and turn cancerous. The cancerous tissue that develops can then infiltrate and attack other tissues in the body and cause symptoms like abdominal pain as well as fever, weight loss and swelling.
Cardiovascular Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the heart, or pericardium. This kind of mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of all
mesothelioma lawsuit and is difficult to identify due to the similar signs to heart disease. Many patients are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors are able to confirm they have pericardial msothelioma.
As with other types of mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause pericardial cancer. It is thought that asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pericardium via the bloodstream. The fibers can later travel to other organs, like the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma usually occurs in the outer layer of the pericardium however, it can also be found in the inner layer. Pericardial mesothelioma is a more serious prognosis than other types mesothelioma.
Chest pain, fatigue and breathing difficulties are all symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. It is crucial that patients undergo a thorough medical examination due to the fact that this form of mesothelioma can be found in very few. It is essential that patients tell their doctor if they have had a history of asbestos exposure.
The initial step in the diagnosis of
mesothelioma lawsuit is usually the CT scan or echocardiogram. These tests can identify the accumulation of fluid around the heart and visible pericardial tumours. If these tests show mesothelioma in the body, doctors may perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. These include a biopsy or radiation.
A mesothelioma biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the affected area, and then examined under microscope. This allows doctors to determine the stage and type of mesothelioma.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma may be treated in cancer centers and specialist hospitals across the nation. Treatment options for mesothelioma can include chemo, surgery and radiation. Some victims may be eligible for free or low-cost medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial aid is essential for mesothelioma sufferers to reduce the cost of treatment. Contact a VA-approved
mesothelioma attorney to find out more about the benefits you can avail.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma may begin in the linings that cover organs in the chest and abdomen. It may also be found in the heart's lining (pericardium) and the testicles. The risk for men is higher than women for reasons that are not known. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. Symptoms are not common for a long time after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those exposed to asbestos when working. In the majority of cases chest pains or a persistent cough are the first symptoms.