Answering Your Mesothelioma Questions
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you do not have to confront this devastating situation alone. Our lawyers at Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP have helped mesothelioma victims recover compensation from negligent companies who failed to warn or protect them from asbestos exposure.
Check Out These Commonly Asked Questions
We provide skilled and compassionate counsel because we know you need answers and support during this difficult time. Please read the answers we’ve provided to commonly asked mesothelioma questions. Then, reach out to our Bloomington firm to talk to us about your case.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that lines the internal organs and is caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma symptoms can vary.
What Types Of Mesothelioma Exist?
Asbestos exposure can cause cells in the body to mutate. The type of cell that is affected can influence the recommended treatment and outcome. Medical specialists are able to determine which type of cell is cancerous: the biphasic, the sarcomatoid or the epithelioid.
While many people associate mesothelioma with cancer in the lungs, these cancerous cells can be found in other parts, including the heart, the testes and the abdomen.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma often takes decades to manifest, which makes early detection challenging. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
The early signs of mesothelioma can be subtle and may resemble common respiratory or gastrointestinal issues, making them easy to overlook. Common early symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms are often mistaken for less serious conditions, but they should not be ignored, especially if there is a history of asbestos exposure.
Signs and symptoms may also vary depending on the type of mesothelioma.
- Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining, may cause back pain, difficulty swallowing and pleural effusion.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdominal lining, can result in abdominal pain, anemia and bowel obstructions.
- Pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the heart’s lining, may lead to chest pain and heart palpitations.
- Testicular mesothelioma, the rarest form, may present with lumps or swelling in the testicles.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have a history of asbestos exposure, it is vital to consult a qualified health care professional immediately. Early diagnosis can significantly impact treatment options and quality of life.
How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Doctors examine patients for mesothelioma by looking for abnormal growths using x-rays or computerized tomography to scan the patient’s body. In mesothelioma’s early stages, it may be difficult to detect. These scans may identify fluid buildup, which may indicate mesothelioma. Studying the fluid found in the lungs or suspicious tissue can help physicians determine an appropriate course of action to take.
Diagnosing mesothelioma in the early stages is challenging, which is why it is critical to work with a skilled professional if you suspect you are suffering from this condition.
What Is The Average Life Expectancy For Individuals Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
The prognosis for each patient depends on the cancer’s location and its stage. The signs associated with mesothelioma may not appear for years or decades after exposure to asbestos, which can limit a doctor’s ability to treat mesothelioma when it first appears. Patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer, have an average survival rate of under 12 months. With aggressive medical intervention, patients diagnosed with mesothelioma before it has advanced may have a five-year survival rate.
As with other medical conditions, early detection improves the patient’s prognosis.
Can Asbestos Fibers Be Removed After Individuals Have Been Exposed?
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and extremely challenging to remove from the body. Today, there are no medical procedures available for removing and reversing the effects of asbestos exposure. Following safety practices can help to limit exposure. Preventing exposure is the best way to avoid this health risk.
What Treatments Are Available To Mesothelioma Patients?
The treatment recommended to each patient differs according to the stage of development. Cancer patients may undergo chemotherapy treatments, immunotherapy treatments, surgery or radiation. There are also supportive medical treatments available to help improve the patient’s quality of life.
Do You Have Other Questions? Talk To Us Today.
Our attorneys will take the time you need to assess your mesothelioma claim and provide an honest evaluation of your options. We have over a century of combined legal experience with asbestos-related lawsuits and are committed to holding companies responsible for their careless actions.
Contact us today at 844-880-5039 or 309-828-5099 or via our online form. Our Bloomington firm proudly serves clients throughout Illinois, the United States and Canada.