Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma Is a Rare Form of Cancer

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that results from exposure to asbestos usually at the workplace or in the home. With malignant mesothelioma, cancerous cells are found in the lining of the chest known as pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of malignant mesothelioma, in the lining of the abdomen known as peritoneal mesothelioma, and in rare cases, in the lining of the heart known as pericardial mesothelioma.

Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of malignant mesothelioma include:

Symptoms may take years or even decades to appear and can often be confused with symptoms of other ailments. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

To determine whether you have malignant mesothelioma, your doctor first may use imaging technology such as chest or abdomen X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. Blood tests can check the blood cell counts and existence of certain chemicals in the blood and the results of these tests can inform the doctor about the spread of the disease and the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

Following this, the doctor may then decide to perform fluid tests. Usually, this is accomplished through a thoracentesis. This is a procedure in which an instrument is inserted into the chest to remove fluid.

If the procedure discovers abnormal fluid cells, a biopsy is performed to surgically extract a sample of the tissue. Then, a pathologist examines the fluid and tissue to determine whether they are cancerous.

Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment

Malignant mesothelioma can be treated through -

• Surgery - a surgeon may need to remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the surrounding tissue. If the cancer has spread extensively, a lung may also need to be removed.
• Radiation therapy - often used in conjunction with surgery, radiation uses high-dose X-rays or other high energy rays to kill the cancerous cells. This treatment may be delivered by an external machine or by inserting radiation-producing isotopes through thin plastic tubes into the cancerous cell areas.
• Chemotherapy - also used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy systemically delivers drug treatment to the patient’s bloodstream to kill the cancer cells. In malignant mesothelioma cases, chemotherapy is sometimes administered directly into the chest for an intrapleural treatment.

After a Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Contact Our Lawyers

Our lawyers have experience with malignant mesothelioma cases and work hard to get you the settlement you deserve. Negligent manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, employers, company owners, as well as distributors of asbestos products and contractors who use asbestos products are liable for the suffering they have caused. If you or a loved one has had exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma lawyer from our firm can provide the exceptional representation you need. To schedule your free consultation and learn about your legal options, call the Shein Law Center toll free at 877-SHEINLAW (743-4652), or contact the firm online.