Louisiana asbestos lawyers

Helping Mesothelioma Clients Throughout Louisiana and Nationwide

Facts About Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that begins in the lining of different internal organs of the body.  Each year about 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States.  Worldwide, approximately 300,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than women. 

The vast majority of mesotheliomas are caused from asbestos exposure.  Asbestos used to be added to many different materials including insulation products.  When asbestos-containing products are manipulated, fibers can be released and can expose not only the workers in the area but asbestos fibers can also be carried away from work and into homes on clothing or personal items, exposing family members of the workers.  Mesothelioma usually develops decades after asbestos exposures. Smoking does not cause or increase the risk of mesothelioma. 

Types of Mesothelioma

Most mesotheliomas begin in the lining surrounding the lungs, called the pleura.  Pleural mesothelioma begins in the chest cavity and is not a lung cancer.

Peritoneal mesothelioma begins in the lining that surrounds the abdominal area, called the peritoneum.  Other rare types of mesothelioma can begin in the lining around the heart, called the pericardium, or in the lining around the testicles called the tunica vaginalis.

There are three main types of mesothelioma.  The most common type of mesothelioma is the epithelioid type.  Epithelioid mesothelioma usually grows slower than the other types and chemotherapy often works better for this type.  The next type is sarcomatoid mesothelioma that is more resistant to treatment compared with the other two types of mesothelioma.  The third type is a mixture of epithelioid and sarcomatoid types called “biphasic.”  Treatment for this type often works better than for the sarcomatoid type, but not as well as epithelioid.

The overall five year survival rate for people with mesothelioma is low because it is usually diagnosed at a late stage and is usually an aggressive cancer. The length of time a person lives after being diagnosed with mesothelioma depends on many factors, including the person’s overall health and age.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

Since the symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to those of other cancers, diagnosis can be difficult.  For pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may include shortness of breath, build-up of fluid in the chest (called a pleural effusion), and chest pain. For peritoneal mesothelioma, the symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling from a buildup of fluid (called ascites) and bowel obstruction. Besides shortness of breath and pain, other symptoms of mesothelioma may include fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue. 

As with other medical problems, diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. Radiographic examination by x-ray and/or CT scans or MRIs are usually performed. These radiographic findings may reveal pleural changes or stomach fluid that raises suspicion for mesothelioma.

If a large amount of fluid is discovered on x-ray, CT scans or MRI, then the fluid may be drained to see if abnormal cells may be detected by cytology. If cytology is positive for possible cancerous cells, then a biopsy is usually needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is when a doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. Different procedures are required depending upon the location of the abnormal growth. For example, small incisions may be needed in the chest or abdomen to obtain tissue samples for examination.

If you developed symptoms of mesothelioma, even if your symptoms began years after your initial exposure to asbestos, please speak with your doctor.  When you are ready to take legal action, contact Waddell Anderman Law Firm online or call 225-636-5639.  Your initial consultation is free.

Treatments for Mesothelioma

Treatments for mesothelioma can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Treatment of mesothelioma is primarily based upon the type and staging or tumor development of the mesothelioma in the patient as well as the age and health of the patient.

For people with pleural mesothelioma, the surgeon may remove the cancerous lining around the lung.  This procedure is called a pleurectomy/decortication.  A more aggressive surgery for pleural mesothelioma is called an extrapleural pneumonectomy.  This is the removal of the lining of the lung, the entire lung, a portion of the diaphragm, and often a portion of the lining around the heart.  People with peritoneal mesothelioma may often have a surgery called an omentectomy.  An omentectomy is the removal of the lining around the abdominal organs. Additional treatments either before or after surgery such as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are often recommended.

Surgery alone has not been an effective tool in treating mesothelioma. However, there has been some success when surgery is used in combination with radiation and chemotherapy. Delivering radiation and chemotherapy after a radical surgery has led to extended life expectancy in selected patient populations, with some patients surviving more than five years. As part of a curative approach to mesothelioma, radiotherapy is also commonly applied to the sites of chest drain insertion to prevent growth of the tumor along the track in the chest wall.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells.  The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body.  Radiation therapy usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a period of time.  For people with peritoneal mesothelioma, radiation therapy usually is not done, unless given as a supportive care option to help relieve pain.

Chemotherapy is the most common type of therapy used for mesothelioma.  Because a tumor needs nutrients delivered by blood vessels to grow and spread, the goal of chemotherapy is to “starve” the tumor.  Chemotherapy has been proven in some cases to improve survival in randomized and controlled trials.

Immunotherapy is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer. For pleural mesothelioma, immunotherapy drugs have recently been approved as a first-line treatment for use in people with all types of pleural mesothelioma and may be options for patients who have already received chemotherapy.

Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer

For answers to your questions and to discuss your rights, contact our law firm online today. You may also call 225-636-5639 to learn more about our services and how we can help.