New Orleans Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a rare and incurable form of cancer that has only one cause: exposure to asbestos. Commonly used in construction materials as insulation, the danger lies in the microscopic fibers that can be inhaled and damage the lungs. Companies have a responsibility to make sure their workers are kept safe from asbestos exposure. It is believed companies were aware of the risks posed by asbestos as early as the 1920s but chose not to express this information. Call us today if you have questions about your exposure. Speaking with a Louisiana-based lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos-related cases will ensure substantial clarity and support throughout the process.

How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma: An Overview

Upon inhalation or ingestion, asbestos settles into different organs and causes inflammation and irritation that can lead to mesothelioma. The microscopic fibrous crystals that make up asbestos diffuse from the air sacs of the lungs and displace into the mesothelial lining of the pleura. In turn, these crystals cause cellular damage where they alter the genetic material of chromosomes. This change in genetic makeup causes the chromosomes to become cancerous. This process takes anywhere from 20 to 50 years before critical health effects are recognized.

Have You Been Exposed to Asbestos?

Since asbestos was affordable and resistant to fires, it was often used in buildings and industrial equipment throughout the 20^th century. Asbestos was commonly utilized in ceiling tiles, construction equipment, and wall insulation. As such, people who are at increased risk for developing mesothelioma are the following:

• People who once mined asbestos for a living
• People who worked with asbestos products such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, machinists, mechanics, maintenance workers, shipyard workers, chemical plant workers, and boilermakers, among others
• People who worked in factories and industries that produced asbestos products
• People who worked or lived in buildings or infrastructure that contain asbestos such as naval ships, military bases, and shipyards
• People (spouses and children, etc.) who lived with workers occupationally exposed to asbestos

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

If you were exposed to asbestos in your home or at your work, you may develop an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma. Cancers, because they occur at the cellular level gradually increasing in the number of damaged cells, take time to develop. Mesothelioma takes about 2 to 5 decades before signs and symptoms begin to manifest in noticeable fashions. It is vital to obtain a physical exam if you’ve been exposed and speak with an experienced asbestos attorney if you’ve been diagnosed with this dangerous disease.

The most common indicators of mesothelioma include the following:

• Chest Pain
• Chronic Dry Cough
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fatigue
• High Blood Pressure
• Trouble Breathing
• Weight Loss
• Wheezing

How Doctors Diagnose Mesothelioma

Because of the extended amount of time it takes to recognize the symptoms of mesothelioma, the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Often the symptoms can be similar to other less serious illnesses until it poses a heightened risk.

Doctors begin with imaging tests of the inside of a patient’s body to detect any abnormal shadows, which could signal the presence of mesothelioma. The types of imaging range from X-rays, CT scans, echocardiograms, MRI scans, and PET scans.

Doctors will typically order biopsies if there are any signs of cancerous cells during initial imaging tests. There are two common methods for biopsy, which include: endoscopy and needle  biopsy. In both methods doctors will take fluid or tissue samples from the patient and perform lab testing. Biopsies are the standard by which doctors confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Doctors may perform additional tests to distinguish the mesothelioma diagnosis from other types of cancer, such as lung or breast cancer in the form of a immunohistochemistry test, and the staging of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is typically staged I to IV.

Mesothelioma Treatments

While there are no treatments readily available to reverse the damages caused by asbestos, a combination of treatments can improve the prognosis by an average of 3 to 4 months. These range from chemotherapy and radiation, to emerging clinical trials that may lead to a cure in the future. For those with mesothelioma that has not spread too far, surgery is highly recommended and often the most effective way to remove large portions of tissue affected with mesothelioma.

Get Answers from Experienced New Orleans Mesothelioma Lawyers

There are on average roughly 3,000 new diagnoses of mesothelioma in the US per year. We know a mesothelioma diagnosis can be daunting and make for an overwhelming road ahead. You don’t have to go through this alone. Seeking legal advice from competent, personal injury lawyers new orleans at Chip Forstall Law Firm, will ensure you secure clarity about your situation and the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today.