Mesothelioma Cancer Types: Pericardial Mesothelioma Cancer
Pleural mesothelioma, unlike its pericardial counterpart, primarily affects the pleura, the thin lining surrounding the lungs. As with other forms of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is predominantly caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and the development of cancerous cells within the pleural lining.
Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma poses challenges due to its subtle symptoms and resemblance to other respiratory conditions. Patients may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, and fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity. Early detection is crucial, although pleural mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its advanced stages.
Individuals diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma should explore legal options to seek compensation for their asbestos exposure. Since asbestos is the primary cause of this aggressive cancer, those exposed to asbestos in various settings, such as workplaces, may be entitled to pursue legal action for financial compensation. While legal proceedings cannot reverse the diagnosis, they can provide crucial financial support for medical treatment and other expenses associated with battling the disease.
Understanding the link between asbestos exposure and pleural mesothelioma empowers individuals to make informed decisions about seeking legal assistance. By taking legal action, individuals can pursue the compensation they deserve while focusing on their health and well-being during this challenging time.
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus_as_a_symbol_of_medicine
About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer
- Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75% of all cases.
- It affects the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura.
- Exposure to asbestos fibers is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma.
- Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
- Prognosis varies depending on factors such as cancer stage and overall health.
- Ongoing research aims to develop more effective treatments.
- Early detection and prompt treatment can improve outcomes.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms Include:
- Chest pain: Pleural mesothelioma can cause chest pain due to tumor growth in the chest cavity.
- Persistent cough: A chronic cough may develop as tumors irritate the lining of the lungs.
- Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea): Tumors in the pleura can lead to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
- Fatigue: Cancer-induced fatigue is common as the body fights the disease.
- Pleural effusion: Buildup of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) can occur, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss may result from the effects of cancer on the body.
- Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia): As tumors grow, they may press against the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing.
- Hoarseness: Pressure on the vocal cords from tumors can lead to changes in voice quality.
- Night sweats: Experiencing excessive sweating during sleep may be a symptom of pleural mesothelioma.
- Fever: Some individuals may experience fever as the body responds to the presence of cancer.
- Pleural thickening: Thickening of the pleural lining may be detected on imaging tests and is a common sign of mesothelioma.
FAQs about Pleural Mesothelioma, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma Lawsuits
What is Pleural Mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
What are the Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma?
Common symptoms include chest pain, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs), and weight loss.
How is Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Diagnosis often involves imaging tests (such as X-rays or CT scans), biopsies, and fluid analysis to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells.
What Causes Pleural Mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, typically in occupational settings such as construction, shipbuilding, or mining.
Can Asbestos Exposure Lead to Pleural Mesothelioma?
Yes, inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to the development of pleural mesothelioma over time, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure.
How Can Mesothelioma Lawsuits Help Patients with Pleural Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma lawsuits can help patients seek compensation from negligent asbestos manufacturers or employers responsible for their asbestos exposure. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
TO GET HELP – Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline Number is 888.640.0914
How is Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosed?
Pleural mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, often presents challenges in diagnosis due to its nonspecific symptoms. However, several methods are utilized to confirm the presence of this disease and guide treatment decisions.
Common diagnostic methods include:
Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans are commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs and surrounding tissues.
Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the affected area for examination under a microscope. This procedure helps confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine its cell type.
Thoracoscopy: Also known as a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), this minimally invasive procedure allows for direct visualization of the pleura and collection of tissue samples.
Fluid Analysis: Pleural fluid may be collected through a procedure called thoracentesis and analyzed for the presence of cancer cells or other abnormalities.
Blood Tests: While no specific blood test exists for mesothelioma, certain markers such as soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) may be elevated in individuals with the disease.
These diagnostic methods are often used in combination to provide a comprehensive assessment and facilitate timely and accurate diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma.
Median Survival Rate for Mesothelioma Patients by Stage
Stage 1 – 21 Months: Mesothelioma is localized, affecting the lining of one lung or the abdomen. Treatment options include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy aimed at reducing cancer spread.
Stage 2 – 19 Months: Mesothelioma has spread beyond the original site to nearby organs or lymph nodes. Treatment may involve surgery to remove affected tissues, combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to target remaining cancer cells.
Stage 3 – 16 Months: Mesothelioma has spread extensively within the chest or abdomen, affecting multiple organs and lymph nodes. Treatment typically focuses on palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive measures.
Stage 4 – Under 12 Months: Mesothelioma has metastasized to distant organs and tissues, making it difficult to treat. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve comfort through palliative care, which may include pain management, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other supportive therapies. Prognosis at this stage is generally poor, and the focus shifts to maximizing the patient’s quality of life.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options:
Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma: Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It damages their DNA, preventing them from dividing and growing. This treatment is used to shrink tumors, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life for mesothelioma patients.
Surgery for Mesothelioma: Surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue, which may include tumors, affected organs, or surrounding structures. It aims to eradicate or reduce the tumor burden, alleviate symptoms, and potentially extend the life of mesothelioma patients.
Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma: Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to attack rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or through intravenous infusion. Chemotherapy aims to slow tumor growth, shrink tumors, and alleviate symptoms, improving the overall quality of life for mesothelioma patients.
Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
If you or a family member has received a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, you probably have numerous questions about managing the illness and pursuing legal recourse against asbestos manufacturers and companies accountable for your asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is an extremely lethal disease, with an average survival time of 4-18 months, as per the American Cancer Society. Reach out to our toll-free number now to connect with a live mesothelioma counselor who can address many of your inquiries and offer you the reassurance you seek.
Family Member Died from Mesothelioma?
If you have a family member who has died from Mesothelioma cancer, you should immediately consult with an experienced Mesothelioma diagnosis lawyer about what compensation may be available to you from asbestos trust funds that total more than $30 billion.
We have seen many families lose their right to file a lawsuit because their Statute of Limitations had expired while they were grieving. We know it is a tough time to grieve the loss of a loved one, but please do not let your Statute of Limitations expire for filing your Mesothelioma lawsuit. In most states, the Statute of Limitations is 1-3 years.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you file your Mesothelioma claim within your state’s Statute of Limitations.
FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY TODAY! – Call Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline – 888.640.0914
Taking Legal Action
When confronted with the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis resulting from asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our team is here to assist you in initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced mesothelioma attorney, ensuring the protection of your rights and the delivery of justice. Discover today which Asbestos Trust Funds you may be eligible for to receive compensation.
Schedule a FREE Case Consultation
Scheduling a free case consultation is your first step toward seeking justice in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We are ready to assess your unique situation and provide the guidance you will need during this challenging time. Take this essential step toward pursuing fair compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries.
Get Help from an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
When dealing with the complexities of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, getting help from an experienced injury attorney is crucial. For more than 24 years, we have assisted workers, veterans, and families in obtaining the compensation they deserved from negligent asbestos companies. Contact us at 888.640.0914 to secure the support you will need throughout your pursuit of fair and just compensation.
24 Hour Call Back Guarantee!
Fill out our free Mesothelioma case evaluation form and an experienced Mesothelioma lawyer will call you to immediately start processing your claim at no cost to you.
Call Today! 888.640.0914 – Chat Available 24/7 – 365 Days a Year!
Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Pericardial Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis