Because of the deadly nature of mesothelioma, the earlier that symptoms are identified and a diagnosis is made, the better the chances are that treatment will have some success. Tragically, treatment of mesothelioma at any stage in its development is likely to be long, painful, and arduous, and most patients eventually die in spite of receiving the very best treatment available.
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that many deaths from mesothelioma might have been prevented if safety practices had been prioritized during the decades of the early and mid-twentieth century when asbestos was known to be dangerous. At the Madeksho Law Firm, our attorneys are committed to helping mesothelioma patients and their families attain significant compensation from negligent companies and individuals who ignored the dangers of asbestos exposure and put workers and consumers in harm's way.
Mesothelioma presents a variety of symptoms as it develops. However, many mesothelioma symptoms – particularly in the early stages of the disease’s development – are easily mistaken for those of more common, less deadly conditions. Because of this, making an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis difficult.
Mesothelioma symptoms include:
Specific types of mesothelioma may manifest other symptoms. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the lungs, may cause chest pain and pronounced breathing difficulties. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal area, may cause weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and bowel obstruction. Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects tissue surrounding heart, may cause heart palpitations and acute chest pain.
Many mesothelioma symptoms resemble symptoms of more common medical conditions, raising the distinct possibility of a misdiagnosis that could delay treatment. If you have a past history of asbestos exposure and are exhibiting any of the symptoms described on this page, it is important that you schedule and appointment with your doctor immediately and let him or her know about your exposure to the dangerous substance. If a positive mesothelioma diagnosis is made, or if you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with the deadly disease, your next step is to contact the Madeksho Law Firm so that our skilled lawyers can help you attain the compensation you need and deserve.
Once mesothelioma symptoms have been identified and an accurate diagnosis has been made, treatment will begin. Unfortunately, treatments for mesothelioma have not proven very effective in arresting the disease. Mesothelioma is still often deadly, with a median life expectancy after diagnosis of between six and 12 months. Nonetheless, some treatment strategies have proven effective in controlling the symptoms and complications of mesothelioma, and in extending the life of the mesothelioma patient.
Surgery to remove affected mesothelial tissue has not produced impressive results on its own. Part of the reason is that it is impossible to remove the entire mesothelium without killing the patient. Some patients have achieved moderate success with surgery in conjunction with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. For patients who can tolerate this aggressive treatment, life expectancy has in some cases been extended by as many as five years or more.
Some doctors have tried immunotherapy, but with variable success and often with major side effects. Early-stage interferon alpha trials show some promise, with one in five patients experiencing a significant tumor mass reduction and nominal side effects.
If you had past exposure to asbestos and you are now exhibiting mesothelioma symptoms, or if a positive diagnosis has already been made, you can expect to face huge medical expenses and other severe adversities. Contact the Madeksho Law Firm today to learn more about your legal options.
Contact the Madeksho Law Firm to learn more about mesothelioma symptoms and diagnosis, and what your legal options are for achieving compensation.
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.