Malignant mesothelioma is a deadly disease caused most significantly by exposure to asbestos. In the early stages, mesothelioma symptoms are easily mistaken for the signs of other illnesses, making accurate diagnosis difficult. Because of the deceptive nature of mesothelioma, obtaining accurate information about the symptoms it presents in its various stages can help potential victims identify danger signs. This sort of information can also help victims take the appropriate steps toward getting treatment, and toward seeking compensation from negligent parties that allowed asbestos exposure to occur. Our lawyers may be able to help if you have contracted mesothelioma or another condition due to asbestos exposure.
Malignant mesothelioma, the destructive, cancerous version of the illness, is unfortunately more common than its benign counterpart. Benign mesothelioma may have some negative health effects – for instance, a benign tumor of the pleura pressing against the lung may cause respiratory problems.
The median life expectancy for an individual with malignant mesothelioma is between six and twelve months from presentation. Earlier diagnosis and treatment improve the patient’s life expectancy to some extent, but malignant mesothelioma is still generally fatal in the end.
Like other cancers, malignant mesothelioma progresses through four basic stages. It is important for mesothelioma patients to understand this progression in order to understand the severity of their condition. The stages progress from one to four, with four being the most advanced.
In the first stage of malignant mesothelioma, malignant cells begin to grow and multiply in one layer of the mesothelium. This may be the pleura (chest), the pericardium (heart), or the peritoneum (abdomen), depending on the type of mesothelioma in question.
In the second stage, malignant mesothelioma cells are found in both layers of the mesothelium, and may have spread into the diaphragm, the lining of the lung, or the lung tissue itself. Excess fluid production may be affecting the patient’s ability to breathe.
In stage three, malignant cells spread to the lymph nodes, chest wall, outer covering of the heart, and/or the fatty tissue of the mediastinum (central portion of the chest cavity).
Stage four malignant mesothelioma is characterized by malignant cells further spreading into the muscles of the chest wall, through the diaphragm, into organs such as the esophagus, trachea, thymus, or blood vessels, into the spine, into the heart muscle, into the nerves, and/or into other organs in the body.
Understanding malignant mesothelioma is the first step for any patient diagnosed with the condition. For more mesothelioma-related information, or to schedule a consultation regarding your legal options for compensation, please contact the Madeksho Law Firm today.
To learn about malignant mesothelioma, or to get more information about litigation, contact the Madeksho Law Firm today.
Contact the Madeksho Law Firm, specializing in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, to speak with our lawyers about your case. Our consultations are free, and we serve asbestos victims nationwide.