Who should you speak to if you think you have mesothlioma?

This is an easy answer–a doctor and then a lawyer. The right mesothelioma attorney can be hard to find and sort through who has the best qualifications. Here is a guide of good questions that will help you find a competent mesothelioma lawyer.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Pain in the chest and shortness of breath are very common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. These symptoms may occur due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain and the loss of weight. Still more symptoms of mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, more symptoms like pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face may occur.

These symptoms may or may not be caused by mesothelioma. They might be symptoms of something very different. It is important to see a doctor regarding any of these symptoms. A doctor can make a proper diagnosis.

Who has increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Since the late 1800’s, asbestos has been mined and used commercially. Its use greatly increased during and after World War II. Unfortunately, since the early 1940’s, there have been millions who have been exposed to asbestos fibers. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not very well known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in the Navy, asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and other construction industries. OSHA has regulations in place today setting limits to the amounts of asbestos exposure a worker can have. It is also required to today that workers in these environments wear protective equipment to minimize their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. Yet there are reported cases where, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma.

There is even some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing the disease. It is believed this risk may be the caused from exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. The chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

A lawyer that specializes in mesothelioma cases is good to consult as you go through this process.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma can often be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are very close to those of many other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A thorough physical examination may be performed, xrays of the abdomen, lung and chest may also be included. Another useful test would be a CT Scan or MRI. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are viewed on a monitor, can be printed and archived for later analysis.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. A biopsy may be done in a variety of ways. Much depends on where the abnormal area is located.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. This will involve more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. When the doctor knows the stage of the disease, it will help with proper treatment.

Mesotheloima is a disease that affects the family members and patient in a tragic way. A good mesothelioma lawyer can be a big help in determining if you have a case for receiving damages for costs and suffering. To help you make a good selection here is a guide to follow that will help in selecting a good mesothelioma lawyer selection.