Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis Information - San Francisco, California
Mesothelioma information is important to every California worker, because of the huge potential for asbestos exposure throughout the state. Asbestos products played a large part in the production in California of equipment for World War II and in the post-war population boom. It was used in houses and schools, in business and public buildings, in cars and trucks, and scores of consumer products. Identifying mesothelioma symptoms is vital. Our San Francisco, California attorneys want to ensure that workers and their families have access to the facts, because early treatment is important.
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What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer most often found in the membrane that surrounds the lungs, the stomach, and the heart. The name comes from the fact that the cancer invades the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. Three types of mesothelioma are most commonly diagnosed. Pleural mesothelioma is located in the pleura, which surrounds the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which covers the stomach. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium, which covers the heart. These cancerous cells aggressively divide and can invade nearby tissue and organs and often spread to other parts of the body.
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Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is considered a "signature disease" of asbestos exposure. Experience shows that a mesothelioma diagnosis for our California clients may not be possible for 10 to 50 years or more after exposure to asbestos. Smoking does not increase the risk for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has been identified in workers who directly handled asbestos as well as those working nearby, and also in family members who were exposed to asbestos brought home on work clothes. Increased levels of asbestos have also been identified in schools, homes, and buildings where asbestos products were installed. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has concluded that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma occurs in individuals with relatively brief asbestos exposure.
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Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Because mesothelioma is a latent disease, symptoms normally do not appear for 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, weight loss, and chest pain, caused by an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. Similarly, in peritoneal mesothelioma, buildup of fluid in the abdomen causes pain and weight loss. As the cancer spreads, pain occurs in other parts of the body. Early diagnosis of mesothelioma can increase treatment options, and individuals with known asbestos exposure are encouraged to consult regularly with their doctors and timely report any concerning symptoms.
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Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Because the symptoms associated with mesothelioma are commonly found with other conditions, a clinical mesothelioma diagnosis for our California clients is not always possible. Treating doctors will normally interview the patient to determine possible prior asbestos exposure and will use x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans to identify abnormalities. In order to conclusively diagnose mesothelioma, a biopsy is necessary. Tissue samples can be examined under a microscope and a pathologist can use immunohistochemical staining to determine if mesothelioma is the most likely diagnosis.
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Treating Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma treatments normally include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and, if warranted, surgery. Radiotherapy involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink the mesothelioma. Chemotherapy involves the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Doctors will normally use a long needle to remove fluid buildup from the chest or the abdomen. In some cases, the doctor may also remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. During the past few years a variety of new drugs and treatments for mesothelioma have been developed. Patients should consult with their doctor regarding available treatments and seek consultation with a mesothelioma specialist as warranted.
For more mesothelioma symptoms information, contact our San Francisco, California mesothelioma lawyers today.
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For additional mesothelioma symptoms and diagnosis information in California, fill out the contact form below.
Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick LLP
44 Montgomery Street
36th floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: 800-901-4001
Fax: 415-981-1270
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