Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the thin layer of tissue called the mesothelium that lines internal organs such as the lungs, abdomen and heart. It almost always occurs as a result of exposure to asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma affects the stomach, and pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart. Because symptoms sometimes take decades to appear, by the time it is diagnosed the cancer is often at an advanced stage. Here are some things you need to know about mesothelioma.
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
About 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases happen due to asbestos exposure at workplaces such as asbestos mines, factories that work with asbestos materials, shipyards, construction sites and auto repair shops. People who live with asbestos workers are at risk as well, as those exposed to asbestos might carry fibers home on their clothing or skin. People who live or work in buildings constructed with asbestos materials are also at risk, especially if the buildings are deteriorating or being renovated or remodeled. If asbestos fibers are disturbed and released into the air and then inhaled or swallowed, they lodge in the lungs and other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Often mesothelioma is not suspected at first, because the symptoms are similar to those for other diseases. You may feel chest or abdominal pain and experience painful coughing, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and unusual lumps under the skin of your chest or abdomen. If you suspect mesothelioma, contact your doctor right away for a diagnosis.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
First, your doctor will need to know your complete medical history, including your history of exposure to asbestos. A thorough physical exam will detect any fluid buildup in the lungs, abdomen or around the heart. Next, an imaging test such as a chest x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, echocardiogram or positron emission tomography (PET) scan creates internal pictures of your body to detect cancerous areas and determine the spread of the cancer. Blood tests may be used to further assess the extent of the disease. However, the only way to definitively diagnose mesothelioma is with a biopsy. During a needle biopsy, a long, hollow needle is inserted into the chest to remove small tissue samples. An endoscopic biopsy uses a tube-like instrument with a light and lens to view and remove tissue samples. An open surgical biopsy removes a larger tissue sample for analysis.
Treating Mesothelioma
The treatment you receive for mesothelioma depends upon how far the disease has progressed. If it is detected at an early stage, surgery to remove the cancerous mesothelium and some of the surrounding tissue is often an option. Treatment for advanced mesothelioma is often focused on prolonging life and relieving symptoms. This may involve surgery to drain fluid from the chest or remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatment methods. Be sure you understand the risks and possible benefits of a treatment plan before you begin.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, besides seeking the best treatment option for your situation, you should contact a lawyer with experience in asbestos-related cases to help you get the compensation you deserve.
This article was contributed on behalf of Shrader & Associates, your number one choice when seeking representation for cases involving asbestos and mesothelioma. Click here and see how they can help you!
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