Mesothelioma Claims
A mesothelioma lawsuit can help victims obtain compensation for treatment and other expenses. State laws, also referred to as statutes or limitations, limit the time that a person can file a lawsuit.
Personal injury or wrongful deaths are the most popular kinds of lawsuits. Juries award damages in the form of money that include both economic and non-economic damages.
Diagnosis
It can take years to diagnose mesothelioma, which is a rare condition. Patients usually visit their primary physician with symptoms and an medical history. Doctors will conduct physical examinations and inquire about exposure to asbestos.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they often request imaging tests. This can include chest X-rays (CT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography. These tests give a detailed view of the body. They can reveal the accumulation of fluid around the lungs or abdomen, which is a typical mesothelioma sign.
These tests can also help determine the type of mesothelioma. The pleural form of mesothelioma is when cancerous cells in the lung the lining (pleura) cause the disease. The peritoneal form is caused by cancerous cells that reside in the abdominal cavity. In a surgical biopsies doctors will remove a small amount of tissue from a tumor or affected area and examine it under a microscope in order to check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Doctors may also perform the cytology test to look for the presence of cancerous cells in fluid samples taken from the lungs or stomach.
A blood test known as the MESOMARK test can measure the amount of soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) in the patient's body. This biomarker is high levels can indicate mesothelioma.
This is why biomarkers can be beneficial in diagnosing mesothelioma at its earliest stages. However, it is not an alternative to a mesothelioma biopsy which is the sole reliable method to determine if cancer is present in the body. Doctors can perform non-surgical biopsies to remove fluid from the stomach or pleura with a needle, and analyze it for cells of mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma can be found anywhere on the body where cancerous asbestos-induced cells have developed. The most common locations are the lung. Patients with pleural mysothelioma suffer from pain in the chest area, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. People with peritoneal and pericardial cancer are often afflicted with abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be difficult to identify, as they are similar to other diseases. Mesothelioma may develop after years of asbestos exposure.
CT scans and Xrays can reveal changes in the lungs such as the accumulation of fluid or thickening of the pleura (pleural effusion). MRI and PET scans can also be used to detect mesothelioma. Blood tests can be utilized to determine the presence of certain substances that could indicate mesothelioma.
A doctor can drain the fluid or tissue to look for cancerous cells. Doctors can also perform an operation known as thoracoscopic aspiration, which removes a small amount of fluid from the thoracic cavity or lungs. This test is a less painful version of a biopsy and is performed in the doctor's office.
If a doctor has diagnosed mesothelioma it is likely that they will suggest chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to stop the cancer cells from spreading. The surgery and chemotherapy typically take place in an outpatient setting and the radiation is given in a clinic or a hospital. Glendale mesothelioma lawsuit are typically used to manage discomfort and other symptoms. The treatment options include painkillers as well as regular drainage of fluids or a tube that is placed inside the chest to aid in breathing. It may also include radiation to stop the tumor from advancing.
Treatment
Treatment can reduce symptoms and prolong life for people with mesothelioma. There are many treatments available, based on the type and stage of mesothelioma. The treatment plan could differ depending on the amount of asbestos exposure the patient has.
Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of many illnesses, including the flu or pneumonia. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the disease at an early stage. Patients may experience symptoms for months before they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
To diagnose the illness, doctors will perform an examination of the body and inquire about any exposure to asbestos in the past. They will then conduct scans and blood tests to determine the size and location of the cancer in the body.
The most commonly diagnosed mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung. The most likely patients for developing the disease are those who have worked as welders electrician, plumber or in the auto industry.
A buildup of fluid can cause chest pain or breathing difficulties. Surgery can eliminate excess fluid, which can improve a person's life.
Pleurodesis is yet another procedure doctors can use to prevent further accumulation of fluid in the lungs. During the procedure, a tube is to be inserted into the pleura order to drain the fluid. Then, medicine will be injected to stop further buildup. Patients may also choose to have a shunt installed on their body. It is a device that circulates fluid from one region of the body to another for absorption.
Other treatments include radiation and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy kills cancerous cells directly. Radiation therapy shrinks tumors using high-energy radiation. Those who do not qualify for surgery may undergo targeted therapy. This involves targeting the cancer-causing gene in the cancerous cells.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on a variety of factors, including the nature and location of the cancer, the stage at diagnosis and general health of the patient. The mesothelioma prognosis could improve by seeking treatment from a seasoned specialist in mesothelioma treatment and adhere to their treatment regimen. Patients with mesothelioma who take part in clinical trials may have access to novel treatments that are currently being researched.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be compared to the symptoms of other conditions and, therefore, they are frequently not diagnosed. Patients may have abdominal pain, breathing issues and other symptoms prior to being diagnosed. These symptoms are mild at first and can be misinterpreted as other illnesses. It's therefore important to have any symptoms checked by a doctor as soon as you can.
Mesothelioma can affect the tissue lining the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma), the peritoneum (peritoneal mesothelioma) or, in very rare cases, the membrane that surrounds the testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common cause of mesothelioma cases. It accounts for 85 percent of diagnosed cases occurring in patients who are over 75 years old.
Both genders have different survival rates for mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that men are more likely than women to work in industries that expose them. However, females who have been exposed to mesothelioma are two times as likely to live beyond five years than male patients. This could be due to the way female hormones interact with mesothelioma tumor cells. The prognosis for a patient is also influenced by their age, as older patients have a more difficult recovery from illness. It's important to note that some mesothelioma patients live for years, or even a decade beyond their initial prognosis.
Compensation
Mesothelioma compensation helps victims pay for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with this asbestos-related illness. Mesothelioma settlements are usually given by combining asbestos trust funds, lawsuits and settlements. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine what compensation is available to you in your case.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma can make a personal injury claim for financial compensation from asbestos-related manufacturers they were exposed to at work. Mesothelioma suits can be filed by someone close to the victim, a family member, or a court appointed representative on behalf of the victim. The estate of a victim who has died from mesothelioma may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation against those responsible for the victim's asbestos exposure.
Many people with mesothelioma are in debt due to the fact that it can take years to go from exposure to diagnosis. Mesothelioma compensation can help patients pay off their debts and pay for the future of their family members.
Mesothelioma settlements and lawsuits may also compensate the victims for their pain and suffering. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve.
A skilled mesothelioma law firm can handle every aspect of a patient's mesothelioma case and make the process as easy as is possible for their client. At Sokolove Law, our attorneys have secured over $4.7 billion in mesothelioma-related settlements for patients and their families. Contact us today for no-cost review of your mesothelioma lawsuit. Our lawyers serve clients nationwide. We are able to meet with you in your home or hospital. Our law firm is only paid if we secure compensation for you.