Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma victims face a very difficult road when it comes to diagnosis. Asbestos-related cancers tend to have symptoms that are quite similar to a variety of other conditions. With this in mind, the process that leads to diagnosis is lengthy and systematic.
The first step in determining if a person has Mesothelioma involves going over medical history. It is important to consider any potential for past exposure to asbestos. In addition to a complete physical examination, patients will also likely have X-rays of the chest or abdomen taken, lung function tests performed and more. A CT scan or MRI may also be indicated.
Those with fluid present in the peritoneum or pleura may also have other tests performed. For example, a needle may be used to collect a sample of the fluid. The procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration. It may also be used to drain fluid and lessen symptoms associated with Mesothelioma.
While a fluid sample may be enough for a diagnosis of Mesothelioma, a biopsy is often called for, as well. This type of tissue sample can be obtained through a thoracoscopy (for a pleural tumor) or through laparoscopy (for an abdominal tumor). Both procedures call for a tube-like instrument to be inserted through a small incision that will allow a doctor to see the tumor and collect tissue samples. Those suspected of having pleural mesothelioma may also undergo a test called a bronchoscopy.
There three main types of this condition. They are:
Additionally, there are three sub-types (or cell types) of Mesothelioma which include:
- Epithelial - This is the most common type and is considered the most amenable to treatment.
- Sarcomatous – This is a more aggressive form of cancer cell.
- Biphasic – This is a combination of both Epithelial and Sarcomatous cells.
As with many other forms of cancer, Mesothelioma tends to present in stages. Once a diagnosis of malignant Mesothelioma has been confirmed, a physician will likely try to determine the extent or stage of the disease. Tests like a CT scan and MRI can help with staging. The stages of malignant mesothelioma include:
- Stage I – In this stage, the tumor is found in the pleura with or without lung involvement, the pericardium or diaphragm.
- Stage II – The tumor is located in a Stage I position, but there is also involvement of the lymph nodes in the chest.
- Stage III – In this stage, the tumor extends into the chest wall, heart or ribs, through the diaphragm or into the abdominal lining. Lymph node involvement will also likely be present.
- Stage IV – In this stage, the tumor will have metastasized through the bloodstream to distant sites.
Those who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma face an uphill battle that can involve extensive treatment, recurrence and other concerns. Unfortunately, this disease does not have the best prognosis, but Stage I cases can respond well to proper medical treatment.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or a related disease, legal assistance and other advice is available to you at no charge. At the Mesothelioma Help Center, it is our mission to make sure patients and their families have access to experienced attorneys and medical professionals. To obtain the information you need, just fill out our Contact Form for a reply in 12 to 24 hours. You may also contact us directly at 888.705.0395. The information you give us will be held in strict confidence. It will be used solely to evaluate your case and help determine if you may be entitled to a cash settlement. Your privacy is fully ensured.
Those dealing with asbestos and mesothelioma face a number of challenges, including the tremendous costs of treatment. If you were unknowingly exposed to harmful levels of asbestos, you have legal rights and there is help available for you.
Deciding which law firm to represent you and your case is very important. Choosing the right law firm will also be important to your settlement. You are entitled to an experienced mesothelioma law firm who has a track record of success in asbestos lawsuits.
It is not uncommon for there to be 10-20 parties that are named in a asbestos lawsuit that are located across the United States. For example, a worker in California may have been exposed to asbestos from asbestos products shipped from Libby, Montana or from an iron ore plant in St. Paul Minnesota. This is why it is very important to obtain an experienced asbestos mesothelioma law firm that knows all of the companies in each state who have responsibility for your asbestos exposure.
If you are a grieving family member or executor of the will of a person who has died from asbestos-related disease or mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a claim as well. |
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