The Biggest Problem With Mesothelioma Claims After Death, And How You Can Fix It

Mesothelioma Claims After Death

The disease is responsible for the deaths of more than 3,000 people each year. Families of the victims can claim compensation through filing a wrongful-death lawsuit or making an asbestos trust fund claim.

Experienced mesothelioma lawyers help families to identify and prove that they have suffered losses for which they are owed compensation. Compensation can be used to pay for expenses and also provide financial stability.

Diagnose Mesothelioma

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, also known as the pleura, which can cause cancerous cells to form. Mesothelioma can also form in the lining of the abdomen, or peritoneum, as and in the tissues around the heart, known as the pericardium. These cancerous cells may expand uncontrollably and eventually cause the formation of a tumor.

The first indication of mesothelioma is generally a persistent cough or trouble breathing that can get worse over time. Doctors will examine your body and take a detailed medical history to determine the source of these symptoms. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will recommend a variety of tests and imaging scans to aid in making a diagnosis.

Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to recognize because it takes so long for the symptoms to appear. The majority of people are not diagnosed until the mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body. In  mesothelioma compensation  that is in late-stage, patients typically experience fatigue, pain, weakening and weight loss.

Due to the complexity of mesothelioma and its symptoms, doctors use various imaging scans and methods to detect it. The first test is a chest X-ray. This uses low-level radiation to create a picture of the internal structures within the abdomen and chest. If this test reveals abnormal growth or fluid around the lung, doctors may move to more advanced tests, like an CT scan or MRI scan.

These tests will provide doctors with more information about where the mesothelioma is located in relation to its size and whether it has expanded. It is likely that they will require a biopsy of the region where the mesothelioma is located to confirm it is mesothelioma and to identify the type of cell that is present.

The most common mesothelioma type involves epithelioid cells, which are easier to remove surgically and offer better outcomes. However, between 20 and 30 percent of mesothelioma cases involve Sarcomatoid cells, which are harder to treat and have lower prognoses.

Symptoms

When cancer spreads from its initial location and spreads to other parts of the body, patients can suffer from a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can include chest pain, fatigue or coughing. Mesothelioma symptoms vary for each patient and rely on the type of mesothelioma as well as its stage.

Patients with pleural asbestosis typically suffer from a dry, snorting cough, as well as abdominal or chest discomfort. They might also experience difficulties breathing. They may also experience fatigue and fever. Those with peritoneal msothelioma may suffer similar symptoms, however they could also develop vomiting or hernias. The symptoms of pericardial and mesothelioma of the testicular are different according to the location of the cancer.

If diagnosed, most mesothelioma cases are in the second or first stage the disease. The tumors are still in the early stages and have not gotten larger. The symptoms are mild, and they generally do not interfere with everyday activities.

In the stages 3 and 4, or late-stage mesothelioma, the tumors expand deeper into tissues. The tumors of mesothelioma can penetrate the organ's linings, like the diaphragm and the esophagus.

By this stage the majority of patients will already be experiencing numerous of the severe symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma that is in its final stages. Patients are usually weak, and may need assistance with daily activities. Cancer cells can also infiltrate the lymphatic system, causing symptoms and preventing immune system from fighting.

Mesothelioma sufferers have a wide range of treatment options that can help reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The three main options are chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Surgery is the most popular treatment for mesothelioma. Doctors can perform procedures like extrapleural pneumonectomy, or pleurectomy, with decortication.

For patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma can also prescribe chemotherapy drugs, like pemetrexed, carboplatin and cisplatin to kill cancerous cells and relieve symptoms. The drugs can cause adverse effects, including nausea, fever and a weakening of the immune system, which makes patients vulnerable to infections. So, patients must follow the instructions of their doctor when receiving mesothelioma treatment.

Diagnosis Procedures

The first step in a patient's treatment plan for mesothelioma is to determine if the cancer has spread. Doctors determine this by a combination of blood and imaging tests.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location where the disease has taken hold. For example the pleural mesothelioma is a common cause of chest pain, and lung damage from mesothelioma could cause breathing difficulty or a constant cough. Mesothelioma that affects the abdomen typically results in unintentional weight loss and abdominal pain.

Diagnostic tools such as Xrays or CT scans can be used to determine the source of these symptoms. These tests can reveal areas of the body, like the lungs and chest wall, where changes to the fluid or tissue could indicate mesothelioma.

A needle biopsy may also be used to detect mesothelioma. In this procedure, a needle is inserted through the skin to extract a small piece of mesothelioma tumor. Doctors employ imaging tests to guide the needle to collect the appropriate tissue sample. This procedure requires the use of a surgical incision, or an overnight stay in the hospital.

Doctors may perform tests on blood if they suspect mesothelioma. These tests measure the levels and determine the severity of the cancer. The complete blood count (CBC), a basic blood test, measures the amount of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. It also helps determine whether mesothelioma is spreading to other organs.

Other tests can be conducted to determine the cell type and stage of mesothelioma. A biopsy of mesothelioma could, for instance, determine whether the tumor is epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancers are less difficult to remove surgically and have a better prognosis than sarcomatoid cancer cell.

To confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, doctors often conduct a computed tomography scan (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI). An MRI uses a magnet and radio waves to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the body's structures. A CT scan will also show the extent of mesothelioma cancers and their growth. Other imaging tests include the positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) or mediastinoscopy, which involves making a small cut and inserting a tube equipped with a camera in the abdomen or chest to look at and take tissue samples.

Treatment

When mesothelioma malignancy reaches its advanced stages, treatment options are limited. This is because the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. It is also sometimes difficult to diagnose. Mesothelioma can develop in the lung linings as well as the abdomen and the heart.

Treatment is often based on where the tumor is located. If mesothelioma has only affected one region doctors can remove it using surgery or other procedures. They can also treat any symptoms such as breathing issues by administering painkillers and medication.

Family members and friends are expected to provide support to a person with mesothelioma which is a terminal disease. Caregivers who are concerned about the prognosis of their loved ones and struggling to cope may find it difficult emotionally.

Mesothelioma has a myriad of complications. Patients suffering from the disease may require hospitalization or long-term care in a hospice.

Patients with mesothelioma may suffer from respiratory failure, lung infection or other symptoms in the advanced stages. These symptoms can be controlled by doctors using medications or tests for lung function.

Radiation therapy is also used to shrink tumors and kill mesothelioma. Doctors can use chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma, in conjunction with radiation therapy or alone.

A mesothelioma lawyer can assist families file a lawsuit for the wrongful death of asbestos-related companies that are accountable for the exposure to asbestos of their loved relatives. The compensation from this lawsuit could be used to pay funeral costs medical bills, funeral expenses and other costs associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis.

The majority of mesothelioma victims has an estate representative appointed to make legal decisions on their behalf in the event that they die in the course of filing an action. This is usually an adult or spouse however, the deceased can choose to name any other person as their estate representative. If the victim is unable to identify a representative, the court will do this. The estate representative should be a trustworthy, reliable person who knows the plaintiff's financial affairs. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can determine a fair amount for the victim's losses and can build a solid case.