Mesothelioma

In last week’s blog post, we discussed the various signs and symptoms of mesothelioma. This week’s blog post is the final installment in our 3-part blog series and discusses the diagnostic process and treatment options for malignant mesothelioma.

Diagnosis

Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are also the symptoms for other conditions, it is often difficult to obtain a conclusive diagnosis right away. A physician will consider various diagnostic factors even before any imaging tests to screen for the disease. These factors include:

• The patient’s medical history;
• A physical examination; and
• Determination of any prior asbestos exposure.

Based on the information gathered from the factors above, a physician may follow-up with any or all of these imaging tests to further aid them in their diagnosis:

• CT Scan;
• X-Ray;
• MRI; and
• PET Scan.

If, at the end of the aforementioned diagnostic factors and procedures, a doctor discovers that the patient has a history of asbestos exposure, is exhibiting the symptoms of mesothelioma and their image scans show fluid in the chest or abdomen or an unidentified mass, then the doctor will order a biopsy.

Biopsy

A biopsy is the most effective method of diagnosis. During a biopsy test, the doctor will collect fluid and/or tissue samples to examine for cancer cells. Biopsy tests may include:

• Fine Needle Aspiration;
• Thoracoscopy;
• Mediastinoscopy;
• Incisional or Core Biopsy; and
• Excisional Biopsy.

Mesothelioma Treatments

Although the location and progression of the cancer is a factor in treatment for mesothelioma, the usual treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Ultimately, each patient must work with their doctor to decide what the best treatment options are for them.

Getting the Treatment You Deserve

Many companies continued using and producing asbestos products even after its dangers became known, thus threatening the health and safety of everyone who worked with or around it. But, even decades afterwards, the victims of asbestos exposure can still receive justice.

Being told that years of asbestos exposure have given you cancer is probably the most difficult and traumatizing news you could ever get. At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. our dedicated Georgia mesothelioma attorneys help meothelioma victims get the compensation they deserve from negligent parties. Contact us today to find out how we may help you at 404-995-3955 or toll-free at 866-249-5513.

In last week’s blog article, we discussed the basics of mesothelioma, including its definition and some historical background. This week, we continue our 3-part blog series with our second installment, covering the common signs and symptoms of malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The early signs and symptoms of the cancer can be very subtle or even mistaken for those of another condition, making it difficult to catch mesothelioma early-on. In addition, a person will not exhibit symptoms for 15 to 50 years after asbestos exposure, when the cancer has already developed, making it very difficult to make any connection between symptoms and disease.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of mesothelioma, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial or testicular, a person may experience different symptoms.

Pleural

Because pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, symptoms of this type usually affect the respiratory system and include chest pains, dyspnea or shortness of breath, decreased chest expansion, harsh or barely audible breathing sounds, wheezing or dry cough, and pleural effusions. Pleural thickening or lesions, called pleural plaques, are also indicative of mesothelioma.

Peritoneal

The common symptoms of this abdominal form of mesothelioma include abdominal pain, abdominal enlargement, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal distention, and tenderness. As the cancer progresses, other complications may arise, including ascites, or fluid buildup between the abdominal organs and the peritoneum and even bowel obstruction.

Pericardial

Being a very rare form of mesothelioma, there are not many recorded cases of its symptoms. However, in the few case reports available, symptoms included chest pain, and difficulty breathing, caused by pericardium thickening.

Testicular

Even more rare than pericardial mesothelioma, testicular mesothelioma has very few recorded cases; however, those that were recorded show only one consistent symptom: a lump in the testes.

Legal Strength during Your Time of Need

If you or someone you love has a history of asbestos exposure and has started exhibiting these symptoms within 15 to 50 years after said exposure, our knowledgeable Atlanta, Georgia mesothelioma lawyers at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., can help point you in the right direction so that you can get the medical care you need and the legal relief you deserve.

Check back next week for the final installment of our mesothelioma blog series where we will be discussing the diagnosis and treatment of malignant mesothelioma.

The Atlanta mesothelioma attorneys at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., understand the dangers of mesothelioma and why it is inexcusable that so many should suffer from it. In an effort to raise awareness of this devastating cancer, we will be posting a 3-part weekly blog series, where we will be providing valuable information concerning mesothelioma, including its definition, types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Today’s article covers its basics and even a bit of history.

Definition

According to the American Cancer Society, malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the body’s mesothelial cells, which are found in the lining of certain parts of the body, such as the chest and abdomen. Mesolthelioma is most often caused by exposure to or inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers.

Types

There are 4 forms of mesothelioma cancer: 1) Pleural; 2) Peritoneal; 3) Penicardial; and 4) Testicular. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma, develops in the lining of the lungs, which is called the pleural membrane or pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rare and aggressive and develops in the abdomen, specifically the peritoneum layer of the abdomen. Penicardial mesothelioma is very rare, accounting for only 1 to 6 percent of all incidents of mesolthelioma, and develops in the heart. Finally, the rarest of all mesotheliomas is testicular mesothelioma, which develops in the lining that surrounds the testicle.

History of Asbestos

Although every case of mesothelioma may not be caused by asbestos, it is responsible for the majority of cases. It refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were highly valued for their tensile strength, relative resistance to chemical attack, and poor heat conduction. Though asbestos is still used in limited amounts today, it was widely used and valued commercially in the past, beginning in the 19th century. Many people were regularly exposed to asbestos at their workplace, especially those who worked in the construction industry. Military personnel were also exposed. Unfortunately, people who contract mesothelioma from asbestos exposure may not experience symptoms for as many as 50 years.

Once the risks of asbestos exposure began surfacing in the 20th century, asbestos companies hid the truth and continued producing and selling asbestos and asbestos products in order to maximize profits. As a result, more and more people were exposed. It wasn’t until around 1964, when the diagnosis of mesothelioma was first conclusively linked to asbestos exposure, that things really began to change.

Check back in next week for our continuation of this series with an article about the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.