Mesothelioma asbestos claim Cancer

The thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs may develop mesothelioma that is malignant. Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs and are referred to as pleural mesothelioma; less common types begin in the abdomen and are called mesothelioma of the peritoneal region.

People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma when asbestos case fibers get into the stomach or lungs and cause irritation. It could take 50 years or more for the symptoms to manifest.

Symptoms

The mesothelioma cancerous cells are located in the tissue that lines the stomach, lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma patients might experience symptoms like shortness of breath, pain, fever, fluid buildup and weight loss. The symptoms differ based on the stage and type of the disease. They also depend on the location of the tumor as well as its progression.

Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease has a long latency time and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe conditions, such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is important for asbestos settlement exposure victims to see their physician when they experience any symptoms that are unusual or persistent. It is also important to let their doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure.

The most common pleural mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. As mesothelioma increases and the lungs become inflamed, these symptoms can get worse. In severe instances, they can lead to fluid accumulation in the chest wall and lungs which causes the patient to experience severe pain when breathing.

In addition to mesothelioma symptoms those suffering from this disease may have trouble swallowing or experience abdominal pain. Some sufferers may experience lower appetite and weight loss due to these symptoms as well. The mesothelioma toxins released can also affect the kidneys and cause them to cease to function properly.

Based on the type of mesothelioma doctors may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners as well as the MRI (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). These tests help doctors determine the best treatment for mesothelioma sufferers, by ruling out other conditions.

Chest X-rays can also be useful in identifying mesothelioma. The chest cavity and lungs can appear discolored or cloudy due the presence of mesothelioma. A doctor may use the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to reduce the inflammation caused by the buildup of fluid, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples that are needed for testing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer, which develops in the lining of organs such as the lungs and abdomen. It is a rare form of cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. It is important to consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is based on physical examinations as well as blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually performed in a clinic or hospital and may include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. X-rays can provide a visual of your internal structures including your chest and abdomen. They may reveal the presence of fluid between the lungs and chest wall and is referred to as pleural effusion. They may also show the presence of a lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or a different area.

MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays of the organs you have and can be used by doctors to determine the location and size of any mesothelioma. The scans can also indicate whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of your body.

Another important diagnostic instrument is a biopsy in which a small amount of fluid or tissue is taken out and tested for cancerous cells. The most common mesothelioma biopsies are an aspiration using a fine needle and a surgical biopsy. If other tests are not conclusive, or your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in the chest cavity or lungs, a more invasive biopsy may be recommended.

More invasive procedures used to determine pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma involves the use of a tube equipped with an electronic camera into the abdomen or chest. This procedure is used by a surgeon to collect tissue samples or fluids for testing. They may also perform VATS, a type keyhole surgery.

Your doctor may also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test in order to determine how well your organs work. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check your lymph nodes and heart and other areas that may be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your experience with asbestos exposure and any past diseases or treatments you've been through.

Treatment

Mesothelioma treatment varies based on the type of mesothelioma a patient has and the stage at which it is. The stage of the cancer is determined by a combination of factors, such as the speed at which the tumor expands and spreads, the time it takes for symptoms to manifest and whether the cancer has metastasized.

People are more likely to develop mesothelioma if they have certain risk factors. The most significant risk factors are asbestos exposure and gender. A person may be exposed to asbestos working directly with the substance or indirectly through other occupations or hobbies. Exposure can occur for many years, and even years before the mesothelioma-related symptoms appear.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is strong and heat-resistant. During the mining process or when workers remove asbestos claim insulation, the material can become broken up into tiny dust particles that can be inhaled or swallowed. When inhaled, the fibers may cause irritation, scarring and cellular changes that result in mesothelioma.

There are many methods that can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can collect a sample of pleural liquid by a procedure called thoracentesis or insert a needle into the chest to collect an in-tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners that detect masses and tumors that are located in the chest and abdomen.

After a diagnosis is confirmed doctors can treat the disease to reduce pain and other symptoms. Some patients have a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Some doctors also include immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields as part of the mesothelioma treatment program.

If a patient experiences a build-up of fluid around their lungs, doctors can treat it by removing the excess via an incision placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In some instances, patients may have an abnormality that increases the risk of mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine whether testing for a patient is appropriate.

After mesothelioma treatment, doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments will allow the doctor monitor the patient's health and look for indications of an occurrence.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made up of microscopic fibres that were previously extensively used in construction. When people breathe in or swallow these fibres, they can become lodged in the tissues of organs like the lungs or stomach cavity. In time, these fibers can cause irritation that can lead to tumors. Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after exposure, and most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma later in life.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type and stage of the cancer as well as the part of the body it is in. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are the pleural type, which occurs in the tissue (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types can occur in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.

After a diagnosis has been established, doctors can perform various tests to determine the severity of the cancer and the best treatment for the patient. The doctor can test mesothelioma by using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan, ultrasound or urine and blood samples, or by taking biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are a way to determine whether the cancer has spread or not.

Doctors can also determine whether the mesothelioma belongs to epithelioid or pleural type. Both types can grow and spread more quickly at later stages, particularly in cases where cancer has been able to spread to lymph nodes or other body parts.

In certain cases doctors can remove the mesothelioma completely. This could improve the outlook of patients. However, in the majority mesothelioma has advanced enough to be surgically removed completely and patients will have to seek out other treatments to extend their lives as long as possible.

Research has revealed that certain patient traits can influence mesothelioma survival rates. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma or who are older and healthier are generally more likely to survive. Other factors include whether or not a person smokes, as well as the number of other health problems they have.