Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms tend to develop gradually, and earlier symptoms are often confused for illnesses that are more amenable to treatment. For example, the cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain experienced in pleural mesothelioma is often seen in lung infections such as pneumonia. Typically, once symptoms are more pronounced the cancer is fairly advanced and treatment becomes less effective.

In advanced pleural mesothelioma, chest pain and pain under the ribcage may become more pronounced; back pain may also be present. Coughing may be present; blood may also be coughed up. Hoarseness and swelling of the face and arms may be seen. Patients may also experience muscle weakness and sensory loss. In advanced peritoneal mesothelioma, abdominal symptoms become more pronounced. These include a swelling or lump in the abdomen, abdominal distension due to a collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity, abdominal pain, constipation due to bowel obstruction, nausea and vomiting, and appetite loss. If there is a lot of abdominal fluid, breathing may become increasingly difficult. The feet may become swollen. In advanced pericardial mesothelioma, coughing, worsening breathlessness, palpitations and chest pain may be experienced.

In all types of malignant mesothelioma, generalized symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss and fatigue are usually present. Patients with advanced mesothelioma are usually offered palliative treatment to reduce the discomfort from their symptoms. Pleural or abdominal fluid collections may be drained, and substances that prevent further formation and collection of fluid may be placed in the pleural or abdominal cavities. Surgery or radiotherapy may reduce some of the obstructive symptoms, and radiotherapy may be used to reduce pain. One or more anti-cancer drugs may also be used. A number of clinical trials are ongoing to find better ways to provide symptomatic relief to people with advanced malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Lawyers Info

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer.

The mesothelium is a membrane that forms the lining of several body cavities: the hard sac, abdominal cavity and thoracal cavity. Internal reproductive organs of the male and female bodies are also surrounded by mesothelium tissue.

Mesothelium is composed of two layered cells and develops into a layer of cells that covers and protects most of the body’s internal organs.

Cancer in the mesothelium is called mesothelioma. The cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and devide without control or order. They can invade or damage other surrounding tissue and organs. The cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by the exposure to asbestos and unlike lung cancer there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking. Most people with this desease have had a job where they worked with asbestos, dust and fibre or have been exposed to it in other ways, such as washing the cothes of a family member who worked with asbestos or renovating a house by using asbestos cement products.

around 3000 people every year are reported to have mesothelioma. And the rate of infected people is increasing with every year. Mesothelioma may take several years to develop in a person who has been exposed to asbestos. With some people it can take up to 50 years before the cancer is discovered.

Mesothelioma Lawyers

Millions of dollars can be awarded as the best compensation to a person who has developed mesothelioma. There are many law firms with top lawyers who are well-specialized and can offer you the best service in receiving maximum compensation. A mesothelioma lawsuit offers many regulations and procedures to receive compensation. A well specialized lawyer who deals with mesothelioma cases can help you maximize your compensation.

People who have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos by some irresponsible company or distributor of asbestos are recommended for hiring the right mesothelioma lawyer who can help them getting the right compensation. An asbestos attorney can be consulted for further litigation if the person is adversely affected by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma lawyers are specialized in taking on these cases for people who have been diagnosed with this desease, and putting together structured cases. It can be difficult and time consuming obtaining and putting together all the details to make a case.