The Vanderhyde Law Firm announced that it has recently added additional content to its website regarding the link to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and filing an asbestos lawsuit.
Each year over 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is caused by inhaling or swallowing asbestos particles. There are four types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, percardial, and pesticular or tunica vaginilas. Pleural mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue in the abdomen. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the heart. Testicular mesothelioma occurs in the lining around the testicles.
One of the main risk factors for developing mesothelioma is exposure in the work place, and certain occupations are deemed riskier than others. For example, people working in shipyards, armories, mills, or heating and construction jobs would be prime examples of high risk occupations.
One unique characteristic of the disease is that symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after the initial asbestos exposure. This can make a proper diagnosis very difficult. When trying to make a diagnosis, a doctor will begin by taking a medical history and try to determine if there has been any history of exposure. Subsequently, a physical examination will be performed and the patient will likely undergo certain diagnostic tests like an MRI, PET or CT Scan to detect any abnormalities or tumors.
In order to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, a biopsy will be performed where a tissue sample is taken and analyzed. There are several different types of biopsy procedures, depending on what are of the body is affected. These include thoracoscopy, fine need aspiration, laparoscopy, thoracotomy, and lapartomy. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor and patient will need to discuss a treatment plan. There are several different factors that a doctor will consider when determining the proper plan, including the patients general health and age, what stage the disease is in, and the location of the cancer.
Surgical Treatment - Surgery for mesothelioma is pretty common. Your doctor may decide to remove part of the lining of the chest, lung, or abdomen (depending on which type of mesothelioma you have, and what stage it is in). Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy refers to treatment of the disease by using drugs or chemicals to kill the cancer cells. Radiation - the use of ionizing radiation or high energy rays to kill the cancer cells and reduce the size of any tumors. It is often combined with surgery or chemotherapy. Experimental Procedures are also being utilized by patients, including gene therapy and immunotherapy. People that are interested in taking part in a clinical trial should speak with their physician and contact the National Cancer Institute.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to gather as much information as you can in order to help you better understand the disease. It is also important to surround yourself with a strong support network of family and friends. Finally, a seeking a legal consultation can be a good idea. Although litigation is not right for everyone, it is important to understand your legal rights.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of asbestos exposure, the firm suggests that you visit their website. The firm is accepting asbestos cases in all 50 states.
About Vanderhyde Law Firm Asbestos Lawyer
Vanderhyde Law Firm focuses on helping people that have been harmed by hazardous materials, dangerous drugs, and defective products. For more information, please visit their website or call toll free 1-866-777-2557 to speak with an Asbestos Attorney.
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