If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer you could be entitled to significant compensation from both the Asbestos Trust Funds and asbestos product manufactures.
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If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer you could be entitled to significant compensation from both the Asbestos Trust Funds and asbestos product manufactures.
Contact us now for a FREE consultation.
Free Case Review
When they’re inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can lodge in the lining of organs like the lungs, abdomen, or heart, leading to cellular damage that, over time, causes cancer.
The mesothelium is a protective membrane that lines the body’s cavities, including the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and heart (pericardium). When asbestos fibers become trapped in these tissues, they cause inflammation and scarring, disrupting normal cell functioning.
Over the years, the constant irritation can lead to mutations resulting in uncontrolled cell growth, forming tumors. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in one of four types. These are categorized based on the location of the cancer:
Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen)
Pericardial mesothelioma (heart)
Accurate diagnosis not only helps guide treatment but also provides insight into the patient’s prognosis, as certain types of mesothelioma respond better to specific therapies.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that primarily results from exposure to asbestos.
The disease takes different forms depending on the location of the affected mesothelium, which is the protective lining that covers the body’s organs.
Mesothelioma symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options vary depending on where it forms in the body’s lining and the cancer cell types it includes.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, affecting the pleura, the thin lining surrounding the lungs.
It accounts for 80%–90% of all mesothelioma cases.
This type is strongly associated with asbestos exposure, particularly in individuals who worked in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.
Pleural mesothelioma often begins with chest pain, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough.
These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, making diagnosis challenging until the disease has advanced.
Pleural effusion, the buildup of fluid around the lungs, is another common symptom that exacerbates breathing difficulties and discomfort.
Diagnosing this type of mesothelioma may include imaging tests such as CT scans or X-rays to look for tumors or fluid buildup in the pleura.
A biopsy or thoracoscopy, which involves inserting a camera into the chest, is often necessary for confirmation.
Treatment may include surgery and chemotherapy to remove tumors and affected tissue and target any remaining cancerous cells, as well as immunotherapy to help stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen lining. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 10 to 15% of all cases.
Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is strongly linked to asbestos exposure.
Still, it is less frequently diagnosed due to its rare occurrence and the often vague symptoms that can be mistaken for other abdominal conditions.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, and digestive issues like nausea and constipation.
As the disease progresses, weight loss and fatigue are common.
Abdominal fluid accumulation, known as ascites, can also occur, leading to significant discomfort and difficulty with movement.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques such as CT scans or ultrasounds, along with a biopsy or peritoneoscopy (a procedure using a camera to examine the abdomen and take tissue samples).
Treatment options include cytoreductive surgery, often combined with HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy), which involves applying heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen, targeting the remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation may also be used depending on the stage of the disease.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare type of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 1% of all cases.
This type of cancer develops in the pericardium, the lining of the heart, and is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.
Due to its rarity, diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma is challenging, and it often presents with symptoms similar to other heart or respiratory conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include heart palpitations, chest pain, and problems being able to breathe.
These symptoms can be mistaken for more common cardiac issues, which often delay proper diagnosis until the disease is in its advanced stages.
To diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors may use echocardiograms, MRIs, and a pericardial biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the pericardium (pericardiectomy) to relieve symptoms, although this surgery is complex due to the proximity of the heart.
Chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor, and palliative care is often recommended to manage symptoms while improving the quality of life for the patient.
Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest type of mesothelioma, affecting the tunica vaginalis, the lining of the testicles.
Very few documented cases exist.
The primary symptoms of testicular mesothelioma include testicular lumps, swelling, and pain. As with other forms of mesothelioma, these symptoms are often not detected until the disease has progressed.
The main treatment for testicular mesothelioma is orchiectomy, which is a procedure to remove the affected testicle.
Chemotherapy is typically used after surgery to prevent the cancer from returning.
While testicular mesothelioma is rare, early detection and treatment are essential for a better prognosis.
Each type of mesothelioma presents unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment.
While some forms are more common than others, all types are linked to asbestos exposure and carry significant health risks.
Early detection and an individualized treatment plan are critical to improving outcomes for mesothelioma patients, and advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy continue to offer hope for better management of this devastating disease.
Mesothelioma can develop in different forms depending on the type of cell involved.
The three primary mesothelioma cell types—epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic—have distinct characteristics that influence the disease’s behavior, prognosis, and response to treatment.
Understanding these cell types is essential for determining the most effective course of treatment. It is also important to know the differences between the main types of mesothelioma based on body location.
Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common cell type, accounting for approximately 50% to 70% of all mesothelioma cases.
This type is characterized by organized and uniform cells that grow in clusters or sheets. Epithelioid cells tend to be more cohesive, which often makes them easier to treat compared to other cell types.
Epithelioid mesothelioma generally has a better or more favorable prognosis than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.
Patients with epithelioid cells tend to respond more favorably to treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The prognosis for epithelioid mesothelioma is more optimistic, with higher survival rates and more effective treatment options available.
Epithelioid mesothelioma is often more responsive to chemotherapy and surgery compared to the other cell types.
Treatments like pemetrexed and cisplatin, frequently used in combination, are typically more effective against epithelioid cells.
Surgical interventions, including pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) or extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), can also improve the outcomes of patients with this cell type.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for about 10% to 20% of mesothelioma cases.
This cell type is characterized by spindle-shaped, elongated cells that are less cohesive and more irregular in their arrangement.
Due to their aggressive behavior, these cells are often harder to treat.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is generally considered more aggressive and associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
Cancer cells of this type spread more rapidly and are less responsive to conventional treatments. As a result, patients with sarcomatoid mesothelioma often face more challenging prognosis and lower survival rates.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma’s response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy is limited. Standard treatments often have less effect on this cell type, making it more difficult to control the disease’s progression.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is often treated with a combination of therapies, but success rates tend to be lower than those of the epithelioid form.
Biphasic mesothelioma is a rare type that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells, often in varying proportions.
Typically, this type consists of 50% epithelioid cells and 50% sarcomatoid cells, but the ratio can vary from one patient to another.
The prognosis for biphasic mesothelioma depends largely on the proportion of epithelioid versus sarcomatoid cells. If the majority of the cells are epithelioid, the prognosis is more favorable, similar to that of pure epithelioid mesothelioma.
However, if the sarcomatoid component dominates, the prognosis tends to be poorer, similar to that of sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
Biphasic mesothelioma’s treatment response is mixed.
If the tumor has a higher proportion of epithelioid cells, it will generally respond better to chemotherapy, surgery, and other treatment options.
Conversely, if the sarcomatoid cells predominate, the response to standard treatments may be less effective, and the disease is more challenging to treat.
Identifying the specific type and cell structure of malignant mesothelioma is crucial for effective treatment, prognosis, and even legal actions.
Each of the main types of mesothelioma—whether pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or testicular—and the specific cellular subtype (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) can significantly influence the treatment approach, prognosis, and the patient’s overall quality of life.
If you’re receiving treatment at a cancer center and seeing a mesothelioma specialist, they will do in-depth testing to figure out the appropriate diagnosis and treatment approach for your cancer journey.
The type and cell structure of mesothelioma directly impact the treatment protocols used.
For instance, epithelioid mesothelioma generally responds better to chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. In contrast, sarcomatoid mesothelioma, with its spindle-shaped, less cohesive cells, is less responsive to conventional treatments.
Understanding the exact type helps oncologists select the most effective therapies tailored to the cancer’s characteristics, maximizing treatment outcomes.
The mesothelioma cell type also plays a significant role in determining the prognosis.
Epithelioid mesothelioma tends to have a better prognosis and responds more favorably to treatments, resulting in longer survival rates.
On the other hand, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is more aggressive, with poorer outcomes and limited treatment success.
Biphasic mesothelioma, which contains both cell types, offers a prognosis that varies based on the ratio of epithelioid to sarcomatoid cells.
Recognizing these differences is essential for understanding how the disease may progress and for planning appropriate interventions.
Identifying the mesothelioma type allows for personalized cancer treatment approaches, which are crucial for improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
A tailored approach can enhance the effectiveness of therapies, such as using specific chemotherapy drugs, surgical techniques, or radiation protocols based on the mesothelioma type and its cellular structure.
This personalization improves not only the chances of successful treatment but also the patient’s overall quality of life during the process.
Accurate documentation of the mesothelioma type is also vital for asbestos-related legal claims and compensation.
Identifying the type of mesothelioma can help strengthen claims by providing evidence of the disease’s characteristics, which is crucial when seeking financial compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It also ensures that patients and their families receive the proper support through legal channels.
For many years, navy shipbuilders added asbestos to warships, mostly in vulnerable, high-heat areas, like ammunition storage areas and boiler rooms. Then, in 1967, a fire on the USS Forrestal killed more than a hundred people. After this disaster, which is still the second-worst incident on any U.S. warship since World War II, the Navy doubled down on asbestos use. In addition to boiler rooms and ammunition storage dumps, shipbuilders added asbestos to:
As mesothelioma treatment continues to evolve, innovative therapies and research advancements are offering new hope for patients.
Scientists are exploring cutting-edge treatments, including immunotherapy, gene therapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTF), and ongoing clinical trials.
These emerging therapies aim to improve survival rates, enhance treatment efficacy, and provide better quality of life for mesothelioma patients.
Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for mesothelioma, particularly drugs like Keytruda (pembrolizumab).
Keytruda is a checkpoint inhibitor that works by blocking the proteins cancer cells use to evade the immune system. In mesothelioma patients, especially in epithelioid mesothelioma, Keytruda has shown effectiveness by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Ongoing studies are exploring the potential of combining immunotherapy with other treatment approaches, such as chemotherapy and radiation, to improve results for more mesothelioma patients.
Gene therapy is an emerging area of research that aims to target specific genetic mutations responsible for mesothelioma.
By altering or repairing genes within cancer cells, researchers hope to develop more personalized treatments that can more precisely target the cause of cancer.
Studies are currently focusing on the BAP1 mutation, which is commonly seen in mesothelioma patients, with the goal of developing therapies that could either reverse or stop the cancer’s growth by modifying these genetic factors.
Tumor-treating fields(TTF) are a noninvasive therapy that uses low-frequency electric fields to disrupt the growth of cancer cells.
The fields interfere with cell division, effectively slowing or halting tumor growth.
This therapy has shown promise in pleural mesothelioma and is typically used in combination with chemotherapy. TTF therapy is an exciting development because it can be used without the need for surgery and offers a novel way to fight mesothelioma.
Clinical trials are crucial for advancing mesothelioma treatment as they explore new combinations.
Current studies are investigating ways to enhance the effectiveness of traditional therapies by adding targeted treatments, immunotherapies, and gene therapies.
These trials hold the potential to provide more options and improve patient outcomes, leading to better survival rates and more effective disease management.
As these treatments continue to evolve, they offer new hope for mesothelioma patients, making early participation in clinical trials a key opportunity for those seeking cutting-edge therapies.
The CRS/HIPEC combination is very effective. However, the CRS/HIPEC window is also very small. If any cancer cells have spread outside the abdomen, this procedure almost always fails.
Physical peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms often don’t appear until after this window closes. Therefore, an asbestos exposure lawyer connects victims with doctors who use a combination of non-medical and medical evidence to find these tumors.
For example, if Harry worked a construction job in the mid-1960s and anything that looks like a lump or tumor shows up on an X-ray test, more testing is immediately required.
Even at regular temperatures, these drugs are very powerful. Strong medicines usually have strong side-effects. Many asbestos exposure victims are like Harry. They were infected in their 20s or 30s, and symptoms don’t appear until these victims reach their 70s or 80s.
Many older individuals are too physically frail to tolerate aggressive chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Furthermore, by the time doctors discover mesothelioma tumors, the cancer may have reached Stage III or even Stage IV.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, accounting for approximately 80%–90% of all mesothelioma cases. This form of mesothelioma affects the pleura, the lining of the lungs, and is most often associated with asbestos exposure.
Epithelioid mesothelioma typically has the best prognosis among the different mesothelioma types. It accounts for about 50%–70% of cases. It tends to be more responsive to treatment options like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, resulting in better survival rates compared to other types, such as sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
While it’s rare, some cases of biphasic mesothelioma—which contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells—may experience changes in the proportion of cell types as the disease progresses.
This can affect the aggressiveness of the cancer and influence treatment decisions. However, once diagnosed, the cell type generally remains consistent over time
Knowing the type of mesothelioma is crucial for determining the most effective treatment options and understanding the prognosis. Different types of mesothelioma respond to various treatments differently.
Additionally, the type of mesothelioma plays a role in determining eligibility for compensation, as certain cell types may influence legal claims related to asbestos exposure. Identifying the kind ensures that the patient receives the appropriate care and support throughout their cancer journey.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, don’t wait to take legal action. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you have no upfront costs that come with your mesothelioma claims.
We don’t get paid unless we win your case and receive compensation.
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