Abdominal Mesothelioma Attorneys in California
Lawyers for Mesothelioma Cases in Bay Area
Mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can develop for years before being properly diagnosed. In many cases, patients will not exhibit noticeable symptoms of mesothelioma for decades. For other patients, the generic symptoms of mesothelioma are mistaken for those of bronchitis or other lung conditions.
Regardless of the reason, the result is that most mesothelioma patients are not diagnosed until their condition has reached later, less treatable and highly fatal stages. In fact, the average lifespan of mesothelioma patients after a diagnosis is typically less than 18 months.
Gathering Information for a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Before a mesothelioma diagnosis can be made, a doctor will gather important information from a patient, including:
- Family medical history, including whether or not anyone in his family has suffered from cancer
- History of asbestos exposure, including the types of work the patient has done and/or the living environments in which he has dwelled
- Personal medical history, including lifestyle habits, such as smoking, or chronic conditions, such as asthma, that the patient may have
Assessing Symptoms
After obtaining a thorough patient history, doctors will ask patients about his or her symptoms. Mesothelioma symptoms may include the following:
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- chronic coughing
- fatigue
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- vomiting
- weight loss
- fluid buildup in the abdominal region
A history of asbestos exposure, along with the presence of some of the above symptoms, indicates that more tests are needed to officially rule out or diagnose mesothelioma.
Tests Used During a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
If further tests are needed, doctors will then perform a:
- CT scan, an imaging test that points out abnormal cell growths and possible malignancies (In some cases, doctors may opt for other imaging tests, such as PET scans or MRIs.)
- biopsy, a test that examines a sample of abnormal cells to determine if the cells are cancerous.
An official mesothelioma diagnosis can only be made after a biopsy has been performed.
What to Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma will need to begin chemotherapy and/or radiation therapies immediately to prevent the cancer from progressing or spreading to other areas of the body (metastasizing). A very major surgery is also possible for those who are eligible. When the cancerous cells are localized in a particular area of the body, surgery to remove these malignancies may also be an option.
In addition to medical treatments, mesothelioma patients may wish to learn more about their legal options. Because mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, some patients may be entitled to compensation from a former employer or other negligent party.
To learn more about your rights after a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact The Asbestos Legal Center today. We’re happy to answer your legal questions. For a complimentary information packet, please click here.
Abdominal Mesothelioma Attorneys in California
Lawyers for Mesothelioma Cases in Bay Area
Mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can develop for years before being properly diagnosed. In many cases, patients will not exhibit noticeable symptoms of mesothelioma for decades. For other patients, the generic symptoms of mesothelioma are mistaken for those of bronchitis or other lung conditions.
Regardless of the reason, the result is that most mesothelioma patients are not diagnosed until their condition has reached later, less treatable and highly fatal stages. In fact, the average lifespan of mesothelioma patients after a diagnosis is typically less than 18 months.
Gathering Information for a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Before a mesothelioma diagnosis can be made, a doctor will gather important information from a patient, including:
- Family medical history, including whether or not anyone in his family has suffered from cancer
- History of asbestos exposure, including the types of work the patient has done and/or the living environments in which he has dwelled
- Personal medical history, including lifestyle habits, such as smoking, or chronic conditions, such as asthma, that the patient may have
Assessing Symptoms
After obtaining a thorough patient history, doctors will ask patients about his or her symptoms. Mesothelioma symptoms may include the following:
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- chronic coughing
- fatigue
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- vomiting
- weight loss
- fluid buildup in the abdominal region
A history of asbestos exposure, along with the presence of some of the above symptoms, indicates that more tests are needed to officially rule out or diagnose mesothelioma.
Tests Used During a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
If further tests are needed, doctors will then perform a:
- CT scan, an imaging test that points out abnormal cell growths and possible malignancies (In some cases, doctors may opt for other imaging tests, such as PET scans or MRIs.)
- biopsy, a test that examines a sample of abnormal cells to determine if the cells are cancerous.
An official mesothelioma diagnosis can only be made after a biopsy has been performed.
What to Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma will need to begin chemotherapy and/or radiation therapies immediately to prevent the cancer from progressing or spreading to other areas of the body (metastasizing). A very major surgery is also possible for those who are eligible. When the cancerous cells are localized in a particular area of the body, surgery to remove these malignancies may also be an option.
In addition to medical treatments, mesothelioma patients may wish to learn more about their legal options. Because mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, some patients may be entitled to compensation from a former employer or other negligent party.
To learn more about your rights after a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact The Asbestos Legal Center today. We’re happy to answer your legal questions. For a complimentary information packet, please click here.
Contact the Asbestos Legal Center Today. We Can Help.
To learn more about how we can help you with your case, please contact us today! Complimentary Legal Evaluation.
Millions in Compensation
Asbestos was once widely used, and many employers and product manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of asbestos exposure. As a result of such negligence, mesothelioma victims can file a lawsuit to potentially obtain millions in compensation for their illness. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
