Asbestos Injury
MESOTHELIOMA
| LUNG
CANCER | ASBESTOSIS
| PLEURAL
DISEASE |
OTHER
CANCERS | MESOTHELIOMA
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT |
MESOTHELIOMA DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
Diagnosis
The initial symptoms associated with mesothelioma are usually
pain in the back, chest or abdomen as well as fatigue and loss
of weight. This is usually followed by an unexplained and sudden
shortness of breath caused by a buildup of fluid (called a pleural
effusion) between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity.
A chest x-ray will usually look like it has a haziness on one
or more sides of the chest or an entire lung may be hidden from
view.
Usually, draining the fluid buildup (a procedure called thoracentesis)
relieves the shortness of breath. In a few weeks, the fluid
may build up again, requiring additional draining. It is sometimes
difficult to diagnose malignant mesothelioma. A definitive diagnosis
can only be made after a biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue
sample. Sometimes a needle biopsy is sufficient but often surgery
must be performed and an open biopsy conducted to obtain the
appropriate tissue sample.
Because this is a rare disease, many hospitals and physicians
do not make the appropriate diagnosis. Malignant mesothelioma
often has the appearance of an adenocarcinoma (a different type
of cancer) and is thus misdiagnosed. Special stains must be
performed (immunohistochemistry) or the biopsy must be viewed
with an electron microscope in order to make a definitive diagnosis.
In rare instances a correct diagnosis can only be made after
an autopsy. This is only an overview and not medical advice.
For medical advice please contact a knowledgeable physician.
Treatment Options
There are a number of treatment options for people diagnosed
with malignant mesothelioma. These include surgery, radiation,
chemotherapy and even a new experimental vaccine therapy. If
the disease has not spread too far upon the initial diagnosis,
some combination of these treatments can add time to the victim's
life or make the time they have left more comfortable. The side
effects and recuperation time from these treatments are, in
and of themselves, substantial. Therefore, any potential benefits
of these treatments should be seriously weighed against the
trauma associated with the treatments themselves, after consultation
with your doctor. Click
here for more information on Mesothelioma Treatment Options.
More topics on Mesothelioma
» MALIGNANT
MESOTHELIOMA
» MESOTHELIOMA
TREATMENT
» MESOTHELIOMA
FAQ'S
» MESOTHELIOMA
RISK FACTORS
» WHO
IS AT RISK?
» MESOTHELIOMA
SYMPTOMS
» DIAGNOSING
MESOTHELIOMA
» WILENTZ ATTORNEYS: MESOTHELIOMA LAWSUITS & LITIGATION
Your Legal Rights
If you or someone you know is suffering from lung cancer and/or
lung disease asbestosis, mesothelioma or other asbestos related
diseases caused by asbestos or asbestos containing products,
you may be eligible to file a claim.
CLICK
HERE TO CONTACT THE ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA LAWYERS NOW
FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION, OR CALL US AT 1-800-955-0815.
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