Lung Cancer
asbestos lawyers Mesothelioma
Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma is two distinct kinds of cancers linked to exposure to asbestos. Both cancers share similar symptoms, however they differ in their treatment and location.
Mesothelioma is triggered by inhalation or the ingestion of asbestos fibers that are microscopic. These asbestos fibers can cause cancer by interfering physically with DNA or disrupting cell function.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that lines various organs within the body, including the lung. It is caused by exposure to asbestos.
It can take years for the disease to develop from the first exposure, and symptoms usually don't appear until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. The initial signs such as shortness of breath chest pain, shortness of breath and a dry cough, could be similar to those of other lung diseases. This can lead to delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis of mesothelioma.
The symptoms can vary based on the type and the location of the tumor. Mesothelioma within the lung's lining can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a dry cough. Mesothelioma that develops in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) can cause abdominal pain as well as swelling of the face or arms and unproved weight loss. Mesothelioma that affects the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) can cause chest pain, irregular heartbeat and fluid build-up within the sac around the heart.
A medical history and physical exam are the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. The doctor of the patient will inquire about their prior exposure to asbestos and any symptoms they are having.
Lung cancer mesothelioma is uncommon, so the doctor will need to determine if there are other conditions before making mesothelioma diagnoses. This will require a CT scan or MRI scan as well as blood tests and imaging tests such as a chest X ray.
These tests will examine the lungs for any changes, like swelling of the pleural membrane or thickening of the pleural membrane. They will also look for mesothelioma-related cells in the lung or elsewhere on the body. A biopsy is the process where a doctor removes a small piece of tissue in order to check for mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma, epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is by far the most popular mesothelioma type and responds better to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less tolerant to treatments.
If mesothelioma has not progressed to an advanced stage, a procedure known as thoracoscopically-assisted VATS (video assisted thoracic surgical) or surgery to relieve the accumulation of fluid in the lungs can ease breathing and other symptoms. If the cancer is in a advanced stage, doctors can request additional tests to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread to the lungs or other parts of the human body.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a rare condition that affects organ linings, is a rare condition. It develops most commonly in the pleura tissue which covers the lungs and chest cavity. It may also develop in the lining of the abdomen and the membrane around the heart and reproductive organs. Mesothelioma has been associated with
asbestos lawyers exposure. Asbestos is a class of minerals made of tiny fibers that were employed in manufacturing and construction. Mesothelioma is a risk for people who have worked with these materials whether in shipyards, factories or on construction sites. Mesothelioma typically doesn't show symptoms until decades after exposure to asbestos.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using physical examinations and taking an individual's medical history. They may ask about the patient's work and any previous history of asbestos or other illnesses which could suggest an asbestos-related illness.
The doctor may also test a sample of a patient's sputum (phlegm) to look for mesothelioma tumor cells. The cells appear different under a microscope compared to normal lung cancer cells. The doctor can also take a biopsy of the tissue to confirm mesothelioma.
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be difficult, but a skilled doctor can detect the disease and refer the patient to specialists who can treat it. Because mesothelioma-related symptoms are similar to other conditions, it is essential for patients to consult their physician about any persistent or unusual health problems.
Both lung cancer and mesothelioma are cancers that start when the DNA of a cell gets damaged. The damaged cell continues to grow unchecked, and eventually forms an abnormal tumor that invades the tissues of the body. The mesothelioma and lung cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. However, because mesothelioma tumors lack distinct boundaries and are not able to be treated, doctors have less options than lung cancer.
Patients with mesothelioma should be aware that they could have legal rights against companies accountable for their asbestos exposure. This can allow them to receive the proper treatment for their condition and seek compensation for the financial losses they've suffered. If you can, it is essential to seek the advice of a
mesothelioma lawyer (
more information) with experience. This will help patients receive diagnosed with mesothelioma as fast as is possible.
Treatment
Mesothelioma can affect the lung's lining (pleura) or the the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It may also occur around the testicles or the heart. Malignant mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. This type of cancer is typically seen in people who have worked in areas that have had significant exposure to asbestos, like asbestos miners, construction workers and shipyard workers.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other diseases and the disease is frequently misdiagnosed. Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing. Mesothelioma may also lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen or lungs. Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes the disease.
The fibers are attached to a layer that lubricates the organs of the chest and abdomen, called the mesothelium. When the mesothelium is in a state of tension, like when people breathe asbestos particles, the fibers break down and become airborne. Inhaling
asbestos lawsuits fibers could cause inflammation in the lungs. The inflammation causes scar tissue to form and can cause the development of cancerous cells.
A doctor can identify the disease by performing a variety of tests. They will take a sample of the affected tissues and examine them under a microscope to look for certain changes in the cells. The physician will also ask about a person's previous exposure to asbestos and symptoms they are experiencing.
The majority of mesothelioma treatments focus on relieving symptoms and enhancing the quality of life. Treatments may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. They may also involve a procedure that reduces fluid build-up in the lungs (thoracentesis or paracentesis) or a pleurectomy/decortication to improve breathlessness. The kind of treatment you choose to undergo is determined by several factors, including the stage of the cancer and the health of the patient. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma must consult a doctor to determine the best course of action.
Prognosis
A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be life-altering, but the prognosis for a patient's condition is contingent on the nature and stage of the disease as well as their specific circumstances. Many patients with mesothelioma live years or even decades longer than they anticipated. They prove that this cancer doesn't necessarily have to be fatal, and inspire others fighting similar battles to seek help.
Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma symptoms often mimic those of lung disorders like asthma, pleurisy and other respiratory diseases.