The Biggest Problem With Mesothelioma Claim And How You Can Fix It
Mesothelioma Claims A mesothelioma claim can allow victims to receive compensation for treatment and other expenses. State laws called statutes of limitations restrict the time a patient has to make a claim. Lawsuits typically take the form of personal injury or wrongful death claims. Juries award monetary damages which include non-economic and economic damages. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a rare condition and it can take many years for patients to receive a diagnosis. In the majority of cases, patients go to their primary physician with symptoms and medical history. Doctors will conduct a physical exam and ask about exposure to asbestos. Imaging tests are typically requested by doctors when they suspect mesothelioma. This can include chest X-rays (CT scans) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography. These tests offer a precise view of the body. They can reveal the accumulation of fluid around the abdomen or lungs, which is a typical mesothelioma sign. These tests can also help determine the type of 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 within the abdominal cavity. In the course of a surgical biopsy, physicians will remove a small piece of tissue from the tumor or affected area and examine it under a microscope for signs of mesothelioma. Doctors will also use a cytology test to check for the presence of cancerous cells in fluid samples taken from the lungs or stomach. A blood test, known as the MESOMARK Assay, will determine the amount of mesothelin soluble to peptide (SMRP), in the body of the patient. This biomarker has high levels and can be a sign of mesothelioma. In turn, biomarkers can be beneficial in diagnosing mesothelioma early in its development. However, it's not an alternative to mesothelioma biopsies which is the only method to know if cancer is present in the body. Doctors can perform a non-surgical biopsy to take fluid from the pleura and the stomach with a needle and analyze it for mesothelioma cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma can occur anyplace on the body where asbestos-induced cancerous cells have developed. The most common sites are the lungs. Patients with pleural mesothelioma experience pain in the chest area, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. People with peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma often suffer from discomfort in their abdomen, as well as fatigue and weight loss. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, as they are similar to other illnesses. Mesothelioma may develop after years of asbestos exposure. CT scans and X-rays can detect changes in the lungs, such as the accumulation of fluid or thickening of pleura (pleural effusion). MRI and PET scans may also be used to search for mesothelioma. Blood tests can be utilized to check for elevated levels of certain substances which could be indicative of mesothelioma. A doctor can remove a sample of the fluid or tissue that builds up to determine if it contains cancer cells. The doctor can also carry out a procedure called thoracoscopic needle aspiration to remove some of the fluid from the lungs and thoracic cavity. This test is a non-invasive version of a biopsies and can be performed in a clinic of a doctor. If a doctor has diagnosed mesothelioma the doctor will most likely recommend radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to stop cancer cells from spreading. The treatment and surgery are usually performed in an outpatient setting and the radiation can be given in a clinic or hospital. The use of palliative therapy is commonly to alleviate pain and other symptoms. Palliative treatment can include painkillers and 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 patients with mesothelioma. Treatment options differ based on the mesothelioma type and stage. The treatment plan may also vary based on the level of asbestos exposure the patient is exposed to. The symptoms of mesothelioma resemble other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the disease at an early stage. Often, patients will be afflicted with symptoms for several months before being diagnosed with mesothelioma. To diagnose the disease doctors will conduct an examination and ask about any exposure to asbestos in the past. They will follow up with imaging scans and blood tests to determine the extent of the cancer and where it is located within the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma form affects the lungs. People who have been exposed to asbestos as a construction worker, welder electrician, plumber or autoworker are the most likely to develop this illness. Pleural mesothelioma may cause the accumulation of fluid which can cause chest pain and trouble breathing. Surgery can eliminate the excess fluid and improve a patient's quality of life. Pleurodesis is yet another procedure doctors can utilize to prevent future accumulation of fluid in the lungs. During this procedure the tube is inserted into the pleura to drain the fluid and then the medicine is injected into the pleura to prevent the buildup of further fluids. Patients may also choose to have a shunt placed in the body, which is a device used to move fluid from one part of the body to another to absorb. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy targets cancerous cells directly by killing them. Radiation therapy targets tumors and shrinks them by using high-energy radiation. Those who do not qualify for surgery can undergo targeted therapy. This is done by targeting the cancer-causing gene in the cancer cells. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on several factors including the nature and location of the cancer, the stage at diagnosis and the general health of the patient. A mesothelioma prognosis can improve by seeking treatment from an experienced specialist in mesothelioma treatment and follow their treatment regimen. Patients with mesothelioma who are taking part in clinical trials could have access to novel treatments that are currently being studied. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other diseases. This can lead to a lot of misdiagnosis. Patients may experience breathing issues as well as abdominal pains and other symptoms for some time before being diagnosed. These symptoms may be initialy mild and may be easily confused with other ailments. It is therefore essential to have any symptoms checked by a physician as soon as possible. Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma), the peritoneum (peritoneal mesothelioma) or, in rare cases the membrane that covers the testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are pleural mesothelioma, with 85 percent being in patients older than 75 years old. Both genders 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 areas that have asbestos in them. However females who have been exposed to mesothelioma have twice more likely to live past five years as male patients. This is likely due to the interaction between female hormones and mesothelioma cancer cells. Age also affects their chances of survival since older patients have a more difficult time recovering from the disease. It's also worth noting that some mesothelioma patients live years or even a decade or more beyond their initial prognoses. Compensation Mesothelioma compensation is a way to help victims pay for their medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses related to this asbestos-related illness. The mesothelioma settlements are typically given by combining asbestos trust funds, lawsuits and settlements. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will help determine which forms of compensation may be available for your case. A person diagnosed with mesothelioma may 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 on behalf of the victim by their loved one, family member or a court-appointed representative. If a victim has died of mesothelioma or another cancer, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by the estate of the deceased to collect compensation from those accountable for their loved ones' asbestos exposure. Since it can take a long time from exposure to diagnosis, many people diagnosed with mesothelioma carry significant financial burdens resulting from their treatment. Mesothelioma compensation may help victims pay off their debts and provide for the future of their family members. Mesothelioma settlements and lawsuits can also be used to compensate victims for their pain and suffering. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can assist victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve. A mesothelioma attorney can manage all aspects of a victim’s mesothelioma case, making it as stress-free as they can. 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 begin on a free mesothelioma case review. Our lawyers serve clients nationwide. We are able to meet you at your home or in the hospital. ohio mesothelioma attorney will only be paid if we receive compensation.