harlingen asbestos lawyer can develop in the thin layer of tissue lining certain organs. The most frequent type of mesothelioma begins in the lungs, and is referred to as pleural msothelioma. The less frequent cases start in the abdomen and are known as peritoneal msothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs or stomach of those who have been exposed to asbestos. It could take up to 50 years or more to show symptoms to appear.
Symptoms
The mesothelioma cancerous cells are found in the tissue lining the lungs and stomach and other organs. Patients suffering from mesothelioma can be afflicted by symptoms such as shortness-of-breath, pain fever, a high temperature and weight loss. The symptoms may vary based on the type of disease and its stage. They also depend on the location of the tumor and its progression.
Because mesothelioma can be so rare, doctors might have difficulty diagnosing it. The disease has a long latency time and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe conditions like pneumonia. It is crucial that asbestos exposure victims make an appointment with their doctors when they notice symptoms that are not normal or persistent. They should also let their doctor know of any history of asbestos exposure.
The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties and breath shortness. These symptoms can become more severe as mesothelioma grows and the lungs inflame. In severe cases, the fluid may build up in the lungs and the chest wall, causing severe pain.
In addition to mesothelioma signs, people with this illness may experience difficulty swallowing or feel abdominal pain. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and suffer from an appetite reduction. The mesothelioma-related toxins can also affect kidneys, which causes them to decrease their capacity to function properly.
Depending on the mesothelioma type, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners, MRIs (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). The results of these tests can aid doctors in determining the presence of other illnesses and determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma patients.
Chest X-rays can also be useful in identifying mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor can perform the procedure known as VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to reduce inflammation caused by fluid accumulation, improve breathlessness, and take tissue samples to test.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a type of asbestos-related cancer, is that develops in the lining of organs such as the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare form of cancer, but exposure to asbestos can put people at risk. The symptoms can be similar to other diseases and conditions, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma is based on physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically done in a hospital or clinic and could include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. X-rays can create a picture of your internal structures, including your chest and abdomen. They can reveal a buildup between the chest wall, the lungs and fluid called pleural effusion. They may also show the presence of a mass or lump in the abdomen, chest or other area.
MRI and CT scans provide more detailed images than X-rays of the organs you have and are used by doctors to determine the location and size of any mesothelioma. The scans can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma spreads to other parts of the body.
A biopsy is a different diagnostic instrument. In this procedure, a small amount fluid or tissue is taken and tested for cancerous cell growth. The most commonly used mesothelioma biopsies consist of a fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy could be recommended if results from other tests aren't conclusive, or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest that it is in your lungs or chest cavity.
The more invasive procedures used to diagnose peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma include inserting a tube using an electronic camera into the abdomen or chest. This can be used by surgeons to collect tissue samples or fluids to test. They can also perform VATS, a kind of keyhole surgery.
Your doctor can also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test to determine the efficiency of your organs. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check your lymph nodes and heart as well as other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will inquire about your asbestos exposure history and past ailments or treatments.
Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment varies based on the type of mesothelioma person is suffering from and the stage. The stage of the cancer is determined by a variety of factors, such as how quickly the tumor expands and spreads, how long it takes for symptoms to appear and whether or not the disease has metastasized.
People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. Among the most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. People can be exposed to asbestos working directly with the material or indirectly through other work or hobbies. Exposure can occur for many years, sometimes even for decades before symptoms of mesothelioma develop.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is durable and heat resistant. During the mining process or when workers remove asbestos insulation, the material can become broken up into tiny dust particles that can be inhaled or swallowed. If inhaled, the fibers may cause irritation, scarring, and cellular changes that cause mesothelioma.
A variety of procedures are available to help detect mesothelioma. Doctors can use a pleural fluid sample through the procedure known as thoracentesis, or inserting a needle into the chest to get a tissue sample for biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scans, which show areas of the abdomen and chest that contain tumors or masses can be found.
Once the diagnosis is made, doctors can treat it to reduce pain and other symptom. Certain patients receive a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Certain doctors incorporate the fields of immunotherapy and tumor-treatment in a mesothelioma treatment plan.
If a patient is suffering from an accumulation of fluid around their lungs, doctors can treat it by draining the excess fluid through tubes placed inside the chest (pleurodesis). In certain cases patients may have a genetic mutation that increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine the appropriateness of testing the patient is appropriate.
After treatment for mesothelioma the doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's condition and look for signs of an increase in the incidence.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres once used extensively in the construction of homes. When people inhale or swallow these fibres, they can be absorbed into the lining of organs such as the lungs or stomach cavity. As time passes, these fibres can cause irritation and result in tumours. Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after the initial exposure, and most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma at the end of their life.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the stage and type of the cancer, as well as which part of the body it is in. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are pleural, which develops in the tissue (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types can be found in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.
After a diagnosis has been made, doctors can use different tests to determine the extent of cancer and the most effective treatment for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma using a chest X ray, CT scan, ultrasound, blood and urine samples or a biopsy. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds can be used to determine whether the cancer has grown or not.
Doctors can tell whether it's epithelioid or mesothelioma of the pleural region. Both types can spread and grow faster at later stages, particularly when cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other body parts.
In some cases doctors are able to eliminate the mesothelioma completely. This can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival. In the majority of cases, the mesothelioma has progressed too far to be removed surgically. Patients will need to undergo additional treatments to prolong their lives.
Research has shown that certain characteristics of patients can help determine mesothelioma survival rates. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history or are younger and in good health generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues that the person suffers from.