Mesothelioma Claims
A mesothelioma case can assist victims in obtaining compensation for treatment and other costs. State laws, also referred to as statutes or limitations, limit the amount of time a patient can file a lawsuit.
Personal injury or wrongful death are the most popular kinds of lawsuits. The jury awards financial damages, which include economic and non-economic damages.
Diagnosis
It could take years to recognize mesothelioma. This is a rare illness. In the majority of cases, patients go to their primary care doctor with complaints and medical history. Doctors will conduct an examination of the body and ask about asbestos exposure.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will often order imaging tests. This includes chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests provide a clear view of the body. They may show an accumulation of fluid around the abdomen or lungs, which is a common mesothelioma symptom.
These tests can be used to determine the type of mesothelioma. The pleural form of mesothelioma occurs when cancerous cells within the lung the lining (pleura) cause the disease. The peritoneal type is caused by cancer cells that reside in the abdominal cavity. In a surgical biopsies, doctors will remove a small amount of tissue from an area of tumor or affected and examine it under a microscope in order to check for indications of mesothelioma. Doctors can also conduct an examination known as a cytology to identify cancerous cells from samples of fluid taken from the lungs or stomach.
A blood test, called the MESOMARK Assay, can measure the amount of soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) in the body of the patient. The presence of high levels of this biomarker can be a sign of mesothelioma cell lines.
As a result, these biomarkers could be useful for doctors trying to diagnose mesothelioma at its earliest stages. However, it's not an alternative to mesothelioma-related biopsy which is the only definitive way to determine whether cancer is present within the body. Doctors can perform a non-surgical procedure to collect fluid from the pleura or the stomach using a needle. They then examine it for mesothelioma-related cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma can occur anywhere in the body where asbestos has caused cancerous cells to develop. The most common locations are the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma can cause chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. People with peritoneal and pericardial cancer often experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. The signs of mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, as they are similar to those of other common illnesses. Billings mesothelioma attorneys can manifest years after asbestos exposure.
X-rays and CT scans can reveal changes in the lungs, for example, thickening of the pleura or fluid buildup (pleural effusion). MRI and PET scans can also be used to identify mesothelioma. Blood tests can be used to determine the presence of certain substances that may be indicative of mesothelioma.
A doctor can drain the fluid or the tissue to test for cancer cells. The doctor can also perform a procedure called thoracoscopic needle aspiration, which is a procedure that removes a small amount of fluid from the lungs or thoracic cavity. This test is a less painful alternative to a biopsy, and can be done in a doctor's office.
If a doctor has diagnosed mesothelioma he or she will likely suggest chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to stop the cancer cells from spreading. Radiation therapy can be performed in a hospital or clinic. The radiation is typically delivered as an as an outpatient. Palliative treatments are often used to manage pain and other symptoms. Palliative treatment may include painkillers, regular drainage of fluids, or a tube inserted in the chest to help with breathing. It could also involve radiation to prevent the tumor from growing.
Treatment
Treatment can reduce symptoms and extend the life of people with mesothelioma. Treatment options differ based on the mesothelioma type and stage. The treatment plan will also depend on the level of asbestos exposure a patient has.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as many other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This makes it hard for doctors to identify mesothelioma before it becomes apparent. Patients may be suffering from symptoms for months before they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Doctors will conduct a physical examination and inquire about any prior asbestos exposure. They will follow up with blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the cancer and where it is located in the body.
The most frequent mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the course of their work as workers in the construction industry, welding, plumber, electrician or autoworker are more likely to develop this disease.
A buildup of fluid can lead to chest pain and breathing difficulties. Surgery can eliminate the excess fluid and improve the quality of life.
Pleurodesis is yet another procedure doctors can employ to stop future accumulation of fluid in the lung. During this procedure it is the procedure of inserting a tube into the pleura to drain fluid and then the medicine is injected into the pleura to prevent future buildups. Patients can also opt to have a shunt, which is a device to transfer fluid from one part of the body to the next for absorption.
Chemotherapy and radiation are also options. Chemotherapy kills cancerous cells directly. Radiation therapy shrinks tumors by using high-energy radiation. Those who do not qualify for surgery may undergo targeted therapy. This involves attacking the cancer-causing gene within the cancer cells.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma is dependent on a variety of factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the location and general health condition of the patient. Patients suffering from mesothelioma could improve their prognosis if they seek treatment from a specialist for mesothelioma, and follow their treatment plan. Patients who have mesothelioma that take part in clinical trials might also have access to new treatments that are being researched.
Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions and, therefore, they are frequently misdiagnosed. Patients may experience breathing issues or abdominal pain, among other symptoms for several months before they are diagnosed. Because these symptoms are so initially mild, people can easily confuse them with other conditions. As a result, it's crucial to have any symptoms evaluated by a doctor as quickly as you can.
The chest's lining (pleural mesothelioma), peritoneum, or in rare cases the membrane surrounding the testicles can be affected by mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are pleural mesothelioma. 85 percent of them being diagnosed in patients who are older than 75 years old.
Women and men can have different survival rates for mesothelioma. Men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos than women, because they are more likely to work in industries that have asbestos in them. However females who have been exposed to mesothelioma are twice as likely to live beyond five years than male patients. This could be due to the hormonal interactions between female hormones and mesothelioma tumor cells. Age also affects their outlook since older patients tend to suffer more difficulty recovering from the illness. It is important to remember that some mesothelioma patients endure for a long time, or even a decade beyond their initial prognosis.
Compensation
Mesothelioma Compensation assists victims in covering their medical expenses in addition to lost wages and other costs associated with this asbestos-related disease. This mesothelioma settlement is often awarded by amalgamating asbestos trust funds, lawsuits and settlements. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help you determine what types of compensation might be available for your case.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma can sue the manufacturer of asbestos-related products to which they were exposed during their work. They may seek financial compensation. Mesothelioma lawsuits can be filed on behalf of a victim's loved one or family member, or by an appointed representative by the court. The estate of a victim's loved ones who died from mesothelioma can file a wrongful-death lawsuit to recover compensation from the parties responsible for the victim's asbestos exposure.
Many patients with mesothelioma are in debt as it can take years from exposure to diagnosis. Mesothelioma compensation can help patients pay off their debts and provide for the future of their families.
Mesothelioma lawsuits and settlements can also provide compensation to victims for their pain and suffering. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist victims and their families get the compensation they deserve.
A reputable mesothelioma law firm can handle all aspects of a patient's mesothelioma case and make the process as painless as they can for their client. At Sokolove Law, our attorneys have secured more than $4.7 billion in mesothelioma settlements to help victims and their families. Contact us today to arrange a free review of your mesothelioma claim. Our lawyers serve clients nationwide. We can visit you at home or at the hospital. Our law firm is only paid if we secure compensation for you.