Mesothelioma Claims
A mesothelioma lawsuit can assist victims to receive compensation for treatment and other expenses. State laws called statutes of limitations limit the time that a victim is required to bring a lawsuit.
Lawsuits typically take the form of personal injury or wrongful death claims. The jury awards financial damages, which can include economic and noneconomic damage.
Diagnosis
It could take years to diagnose mesothelioma, which is a rare condition. Typically, patients will go to their primary care doctor with symptoms and a medical history. Doctors will perform a physical examination and ask about asbestos exposure.
Imaging tests are often ordered by doctors when they suspect mesothelioma. These include chest X-rays computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests provide a clear view of the body. These tests can reveal a buildup of fluid in the lungs or abdomen that is a mesothelioma-related symptoms.
These tests can also be used to determine the type mesothelioma. The mesothelioma pleural type is when cancerous cells in the lung lining (pleura) cause the disease. The peritoneal type is caused by cancerous cells in the abdominal cavity. In a biopsies performed surgically, doctors will remove a small amount of tissue from an area of tumor or affected and examine it under a microscope to look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Doctors may also perform an cytology test in order to check for the presence of cancerous cells in liquid samples taken from the stomach or lungs.
A blood test, known as the MESOMARK Assay, can measure the amount soluble mesothelin related to peptide (SMRP) in the body of the patient. A high level of this biomarker could indicate the presence mesothelioma cells.
In turn, these biomarkers can be helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma in its earliest stages. It is not a substitute to a mesothelioma biopsies, which is the only way to definitively determine if cancer has been detected within the body. Doctors can perform non-surgical biopsies to drain fluid from the stomach or pleura with a needle, and analyze it for cells of mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma may occur in any part of the body where asbestos has created cancerous cells. The most common locations are the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma can cause chest pain as well as difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. People with peritoneal and pericardial cancer typically experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. Mesothelioma symptoms can be difficult to diagnose because the signs mimic the symptoms of a variety of common illnesses. Mesothelioma can develop years after asbestos exposure.
X-rays and CT scans may reveal changes in the lungs, for example, the pleura becoming thicker or fluid buildup (pleural effusion). MRI and PET scans may also be used to search for mesothelioma. Blood tests can be utilized to detect elevated levels of certain substances that may be indicative of mesothelioma.
A doctor can drain the fluid or the tissue to look for cancerous cells. The doctor may also perform an operation known as the thoracoscopic needle aspiration procedure to remove a small amount of fluid from the lungs and thoracic cavity. This test is a more non-invasive version of a biopsies, and can be done in a doctor's clinic.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma in the body, he or she may suggest surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading. The radiation can be administered in a hospital or clinic. The radiation is typically administered as an as an outpatient. Palliative treatments are often used to alleviate pain and other symptoms. Palliative treatment can include painkillers, regular drainage of fluids or a tube that is placed in the chest to assist with breathing. It could also involve radiation to prevent the tumor from advancing.
Treatment
For patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or other cancers, treatment can help ease symptoms and extend life. There are a variety of treatments available, depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma. The treatment plan will also vary depending on how much asbestos exposure the patient has.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This makes it hard for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma in the early stages. Patients may be suffering from symptoms for months before they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
To diagnose the illness doctors will conduct an examination of the body and inquire about any exposure to asbestos in the past. They will follow up with blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the cancer and the location within the body.
The most common form of mesothelioma affects the lungs. Most likely to develop the disease are people who have worked as a welding technician electrician, plumber or in the auto industry.
Pleural mesothelioma can trigger a buildup of fluid, creating chest pain and difficulty breathing. Surgery can remove the excess fluid and improve the quality of life.
Doctors may also opt for pleurodesis, a procedure that helps stop the buildup of fluid in the lung. In the course of the procedure, a tube is to be inserted into the pleura in order to drain fluid. Then, medicine will be injected to stop further accumulation. Patients may also choose to have a shunt installed in the body, which is a device that moves fluid from one area of the body to another in order to absorb.
Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells directly. Radiation therapy targets tumors and shrinks them with high-energy rays. People who aren't suitable for surgery can undergo targeted therapy, which targets the cancer-causing genes in the cancer 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 the general health of the patient. The prognosis for mesothelioma can improve if patients seek treatment from a seasoned specialist in the field of mesothelioma and adhere to their treatment regimen. Patients with mesothelioma who are taking 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, so they are often incorrectly diagnosed. Patients may experience breathing issues as well as abdominal pains and other symptoms for a few months before being diagnosed. Because these symptoms are so mild at first, people can easily confuse them with other illnesses. As a result, it's crucial to have any symptoms checked out by a doctor as quickly as you can.
The chest's lining (pleural mesothelioma) also known as the peritoneum or in rare instances, the testicles' membrane can be affected by mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are pleural mesothelioma, with 85 percent of them being diagnosed in patients who are older than 75 years.
Women and men may have different rates of survival for mesothelioma. This is because men are more likely than women to work in fields that expose them to asbestos. However massachusetts mesothelioma law firm who have been exposed to mesothelioma have twice as likely to survive past five years as male patients. This is likely due the interaction between female hormones and mesothelioma cancer cells. The prognosis of a person is also influenced by their age, as older patients have a harder recovery from illnesses. It's important to know that some patients with mesothelioma endure for a long time, or even a decade beyond their initial prognosis.
Compensation
Mesothelioma compensation is a way to help victims pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with this asbestos-related illness. Mesothelioma settlements are usually given by amalgamating asbestos trust funds, lawsuits and settlements. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help you determine what types of compensation are available to you in your particular case.
A person who has been diagnosed mesothelioma could sue the manufacturer of asbestos-related products to which they were exposed at work. They may be able to seek financial compensation. Mesothelioma lawsuits can be filed by family members or a family member or an appointed representative of the court on behalf of the victim. The estate of a victim's loved ones who died from mesothelioma may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation from those who are responsible for the victim's asbestos exposure.
Many patients with mesothelioma end up in debt as it can take years from the time of exposure to diagnosis. Mesothelioma compensation can help these sufferers pay off their debts and pay for the future of their family members.
Mesothelioma lawsuits and settlements can also provide compensation to victims for their pain and suffering. A mesothelioma lawyer can help victims and families receive the compensation they deserve.
A mesothelioma lawyer who is skilled can handle every aspect of a mesothelioma lawsuit for a victim, making the process as stress-free as possible for their client. Our lawyers at Sokolove Law have helped victims and their family members obtain more than $4.7 billion in mesothelioma lawsuits. Contact us today to begin with a free mesothelioma review. Our lawyers serve clients nationwide. We can meet with you in your home or in a hospital. Our law firm is paid only when we receive compensation for you.