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Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment

Victims of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos was used in thousands of different products and applications. Although asbestos pipe covering was taken off the market in 1974, roofing materials and brake pads still contained asbestos as recently as the 1990s. Schools, churches, recreation centers, and office buildings contained large amounts of asbestos until fairly recently. Older homes may still contain asbestos.

Because asbestos was used so widely and for so long, exposure to asbestos was common among people who worked in industries using asbestos and in buildings containing asbestos.

While nearly anyone may develop a disease linked to asbestos exposure, those who worked in certain occupations almost certainly were exposed to asbestos on the job. These occupations include:

  • Brake mechanics
  • Carpenters
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Ship builders
  • Merchant mariners
  • Ship yard workers
  • Veterans
  • Coast Guard members
  • Airplane mechanics
  • Union members
  • Crane operators
  • Heavy equipment operators
  • Bull dozer operators
  • Sewer pipe installers
  • Street department workers
  • Maintenance and custodial engineers
  • Steam plant workers
  • Pipe fitters
  • Ceiling and floor tile installers
  • Dry wall/ sheet rock installers
  • Tapers
  • Railroad workers
  • Power plant workers
  • Farmers
  • Engineers
  • Machinists
  • Truck drivers
  • Welders
  • Remodeling contractors
  • Dock workers
  • Siding installers
  • Roofers
  • Boiler installers
  • HVAC system installers
  • Teachers

The spouses and children of people in the occupations named above may have also developed health problems related to asbestos exposure. These “bystanders” breathed in asbestos fibers brought into the home on the workers’ clothing.

If you have developed Mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer from asbestos exposure, please contact an attorney at the Deaton Law Firm to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation. Our lawyers are experienced in obtaining financial compensation for victims of asbestos exposure.

From our office in Providence, our Mesothelioma attorneys represent clients throughout the nation including Rhode Island, Florida, Philadelphia.

Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma

By the time the symptoms of Mesothelioma become apparent, the disease has often progressed too far for any treatment to be effective. Adding to the problem, the disease’s vague symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions, making misdiagnosis common. Because Mesothelioma is relatively rare-just 2,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.-most physicians are unfamiliar with the symptoms, which can include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Heart palpitations/irregular heart beat
  • Chest pain
  • Lumps in the abdomen
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • A mass in the abdomen
  • Problems with bowel function
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Both Mesothelioma victims and their physicians often fail to link past asbestos exposure to current symptoms. Often symptoms do not appear for 20 to 30 years after exposure to asbestos, and only a short period of exposure to asbestos can cause Mesothelioma. There is no safe level of exposure. People can develop Mesothelioma just from handling the clothing of someone who was exposed to asbestos fibers.

If you know you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to notify your doctor, even if you have not experienced any symptoms. Your physician can perform tests to ensure that if the disease does develop, it can be caught at the earliest possible stage.

If you have experienced some of the symptoms of Mesothelioma, see your physician as soon as possible or contact a doctor who specializes in Mesothelioma.

For effective legal advice, please contact an attorney at the Deaton Law Firm to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation. We can advise you of your legal rights and options. From our office in Providence, our Mesothelioma lawyers throughout the nation including Rhode Island, Florida, Philadelphia.

Treatments for Malignant Mesothelioma

Treatments for Mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. While no treatment can cure Mesothelioma, treatment can extend the life of the patient.

Surgery

Surgical procedures for pleural Mesothelioma, the most common variety of the disease, include pleurectomy, pneumonectomy, and thoracentesis. Similar procedures exist for pericardial and peritoneal Mesothelioma. Most often, treating physicians prescribe radiation and/or chemotherapy to treat Mesothelioma. However, if surgery is recommended, the surgeon will attempt to remove the Mesothelioma tumors and surrounding tissues.

Radiation

The object of radiation therapy is to kill or damage cancer cells, shrink the tumor, and minimize the symptoms of Mesothelioma. In addition, radiation can slow or stop the spread of cancerous cells. Radiation focuses only on the cancerous cells. The radiation can come from an external source or radioactive material can be implanted directly into the malignancy.

Chemotherapy

Unlike radiation, which is targeted at cancer in a specific area, chemotherapy attacks cancer cells throughout the body. Anticancer drugs are injected into the bloodstream or are taken in a pill form. Due to the non-specific nature of chemotherapy, the drug targets all of the cells in the body and can cause a range of side effects. The most common side effects of chemotherapy include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Skin rashes
  • Mouth sores
  • Anemia
  • Damage to blood cells and bone marrow

The most commonly prescribed chemotherapy drug for Mesothelioma is Alimta. Alimta is the only FDA-approved chemotherapy drug for treating malignant pleural Mesothelioma (MPM).

Fluid Removal

Doctors can reduce pain by removing fluid build up caused by Mesothelioma. Using a thin tube or needle to remove fluid from the chest is called a thoracentesis. The process of extracting fluid from the abdomen is a paracentesis.

Clinical Trials

In an effort to find new and more effective treatments for this deadly disease, the National Cancer Institute sponsors clinical trials (research studies) with people with Mesothelioma. People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER.

Finding an appropriate treatment for your Mesothelioma must be your first priority. However, you also have legal rights and options. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Mesothelioma lawyer, please contact the Deaton Law Firm today.

From our office in Providence, our Mesothelioma attorneys represent clients throughout the nation including Rhode Island, Florida, Philadelphia.

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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, please contact the Deaton Law Firm today for experienced legal advice. Our attorneys have helped Mesothelioma victims and their families receive financial compensation for the damages they have suffered.

The Deaton Law Firm would like to assist you and your family. The initial consultation is confidential, complimentary and without further obligation.

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