Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer typically linked to asbestos exposure.
A proper diagnosis is essential when dealing with a serious illness such as mesothelioma, as it paves the way for an effective treatment strategy, defining the future and your quality of life during and post-treatment. Keep reading to learn more about mesothelioma, how it is diagnosed, and what steps you should take after.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Identifying the symptoms of mesothelioma is essential, but it can also be complicated in some cases. The symptoms can mimic other less serious and more common conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and postponing essential treatment. Additionally, if you’re unaware that you’ve been exposed to asbestos in your life, mesothelioma isn’t likely to be the first condition in your mind or your doctor’s.
However, promptly recognizing these warning signals not only facilitates potentially lifesaving treatment but also plays a pivotal role in legal matters related to asbestos exposure. Major early-stage and advanced mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Chest pain or lower back discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent dry cough or wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hoarseness or other significant changes in voice
- Ongoing fatigue
Any individual exhibiting any listed symptoms or other related ones should reach out for professional medical advice immediately. Recognizing the symptoms of mesothelioma early on is critical. It aids in prompt diagnosis and treatment and could also uncover potential legal pathways to seeking compensation.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
The diagnostic procedure for mesothelioma is a complex process spread over several phases, each crucial in accurately detecting the presence and extent of this rare form of cancer. The following steps are typically involved in diagnosing this condition.
Initial Evaluation
A doctor first performs an initial evaluation based on reported symptoms. This includes a physical examination as well as information related to a history of asbestos exposure if you bring this to their attention and already have a reason to believe you might be dealing with mesothelioma.
Biopsy
Biopsies are typically the most definitive way to diagnose mesothelioma. This involves taking samples of tissue and determining if it is cancerous.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests play a crucial role in the diagnosis of mesothelioma by providing detailed pictures of the inside of your body where this form of cancer may be lurking. The primary imaging modalities include:
- Chest X-ray. Often, the first test performed, a chest X-ray, can reveal thickening of the pleura or fluid buildup around the lungs, which are signs associated with mesothelioma.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan. This offers a more comprehensive view than X-rays by showing cross-sectional images. It can help detect tumor locations and sizes and determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas. A CT scan is instrumental in staging mesothelioma and assists in planning for surgery or other treatments.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. This technique uses a radioactive sugar that cells absorb differently. Because cancer cells consume sugar at a higher rate than normal cells, PET scans can highlight these areas of rapid absorption, pinpointing potentially malignant growths with exceptional precision.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ). MRI can provide high-resolution images of the affected pleural and peritoneal areas, helping to distinguish between benign tissue buildup and malignant tumors associated with mesothelioma.
Challenges in Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma can present numerous challenges. Symptoms often mimic those associated with less severe conditions like pneumonia, making early detection difficult.
Additionally, due to the long latency period between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms (which can range from 20 to 50 years in some cases), many people might not recollect their instance(s) of asbestos exposure by the time they seek help for health issues, meaning a doctor doesn’t know to specifically look for mesothelioma right away.
Treatment Options Following a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Following a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s critical to discuss treatment options with your healthcare team. While mesothelioma is challenging to treat, advances in medical science offer hope and potential avenues for extending life and improving its quality. The following are currently some of the most common treatment options:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
While various treatment options can provide hope and potentially extend life for those diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s critical to understand the severity of this cancer. The reality is that mesothelioma is often a fatal condition due to its aggressive nature and the late stage at which it gets diagnosed.
FAQ
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma, it’s important to get started on treatment as soon as possible. It’s also critical to contact an attorney who specializes in asbestos-related claims. These lawyers can gather the necessary information and begin working toward obtaining compensation for you.
Can I file a claim if my loved one has passed away from mesothelioma?
Yes, in most cases immediate family members can pursue legal action on behalf of someone who has died due to Mesothelioma — referred to as wrongful death lawsuits. Speak with a skilled lawyer about your situation to assess your options moving forward.
What if the company responsible for my asbestos exposure has gone bankrupt?
If the company responsible for your asbestos exposure has gone bankrupt, you might still have legal recourse through an asbestos trust fund. These trusts were established by bankrupt companies under court instruction to provide compensation for victims of asbestos exposure.
You can work with an attorney to navigate the complexities of filing a claim with an asbestos trust fund. An experienced lawyer will help assess your case and try to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
Is there any cost to me for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit?
When pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit, most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means there will be no upfront costs to file the suit. You only pay legal fees if you win your case or receive a settlement, and these fees would then come from the award or settlement itself.
How much compensation could I be entitled to after being diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Calculating exact compensation amounts can be complex as the final figure depends largely on specific circumstances surrounding each mesothelioma case. Factors such as your medical history, diagnosis and prognosis, lost wages, emotional distress caused by the illness, and many others are carefully considered when resolving a claim.
The best way to determine what you might be entitled to is to speak with an experienced lawyer.
Contact Gomez Trial Attorneys for Help With Your Mesothelioma Claim
When dealing with something as life-altering and challenging as mesothelioma, taking the proactive step to secure legal representation can lessen the burdens you have to bear. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed and you suspect it might be linked to asbestos exposure, you might be eligible for financial compensation. Reach out today to Gomez Trial Attorneys for assistance navigating every aspect of your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 619-237-3490 or by contacting us online.