A diagnosis of Mesothelioma can be overwhelming, but knowing the right strategies and relying on the best resources can make dealing with cancer easier on the patient and his or her family. Although medical advice should first be sought, legal advice, too, can be a benefit to Mesothelioma victims and their families. If you have suffered adverse health consequences as a result of asbestos exposure, seek legal counsel at once.
Mesothelioma is diagnosed by conducting assessments to find abnormalities in tissue. A medical professional will review a patient’s medical history, followed by a complete physical examination, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen. A biopsy by an oncologist must be completed to confirm a lung cancer diagnosis.
While only a doctor can definitely diagnose mesothelioma. The following provides a brief summary of some variations and symptoms of mesothelioma:
Pleural mesothelioma: Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and includes the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Horner's Syndrome
Pleural effusion is a common symptom of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid within the chest cavity which interferes with the normal functioning of the lung, causing shortness of breath.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the abdomen. There are 100 to 500 cases diagnosed annually. The symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen
- Bowel constrictions
- Diarrhea
- Coughing up blood
- Anemia
- Plueral effusions
- Blood clotting
- Chest pain
- Swelling in face and neck
- Weight loss
Pericardial Mesothelioma: Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the heart and is often diagnosed too late to treat effectively. The symptoms include the following:
- Persistent coughing
- Palpitations
- Coughing up blood
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
Stages of Mesothelioma
While there are several ways to categorize the stages of mesothelioma, the following serves as one chart utilized by medical professionals to categorize the severity of the mesothelioma tumor as an aid in prescribing the appropriate treatments:
- Stage I: The lymph nodes are not affected
- Stage II: The tumor can be removed, but the mesothelioma started to affect the surrounding lymph nodes
- Stage III: During this stage, the tumor cannot be removed. It extends from the chest wall, heart, through the diaphragm into the peritoneum.
- Stage IV: During this stage the disease has spread to the vital organs such as the liver, brain or bloodstream.
Coping Strategies
- Learn all you can about Mesothelioma. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions about Mesothelioma. . There are no "stupid questions." Inquire about recommended treatments, including the nature of surgery, possible side effects of chemotherapy, and availability of clinical trials. The more you know, the more you can be an active partner in your treatment. You can also conduct your own research on the Internet or at your local library. There is a wealth of information available on Mesothelioma.
- Maintain a support network. A support system can help you cope with anxiety and physical and emotional pain. Your support network may include family and friends, the healthcare community, formal support organizations, and informal e-mail groups. Although you may have to curtail some of your activities, it is important to stay as involved with others as you can. Staying in contact with friends and keeping up with events, hobbies, and the world around you are critical tools in living with Mesothelioma.
- Take care of yourself. Good nutrition, moderate exercise, and getting adequate rest can help combat the stress and fatigue associated with Mesothelioma.
- Manage the pain. Pain management is one of the most important aspects of Mesothelioma care. The type of pain treatment that relies on drugs is called pharmacological therapy. Non-pharmacological therapies include exercise; behavioral techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, imagery, meditation, biofeedback therapy, and distraction; acupuncture; and massage therapy. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies can be used together to help you maintain your normal routine.
- Maintain your weight. Weight loss, a frequent side effect of Mesothelioma and its treatment, can be managed by eating smaller, more frequent meals; by eating high calorie, high protein foods; through nutritional counseling; and by taking medications to stimulate your appetite and help prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Treat anxiety and depression. Treatments to control anxiety include stress management techniques, counseling, support from family and friends, and control of pain and side effects through medication. Depression, which can affect family members as well as the patients themselves, can be treated with antidepressant medications, support and counseling, pain management, and stress management.
- Seek legal counsel. Talk to an attorney experienced in asbestos litigation to determine whether you may have legal recourse to recover for your injuries. Research has shown that the asbestos industry was aware of the potential dangers from the use of its products for many years but failed to warn employers and employees of the risks. The manufacturers may be held liable for the damages experienced by injured workers. Your lawyer can advise you as to whether you may have a valid claim for damages to offset your financial losses due to medical costs and missed work and to compensate you for your pain and suffering.
For more information or to speak with an experienced Newark, New Jersey asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer, contact Keefe Bartels.
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