Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Early Detection of Mesothelioma Increases Treatment Options
Recovery for misdiagnosis of asbestos-related cancer
Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium, the thin lining that covers the lungs, abdomen and other organs. This rare cancer can lie dormant for decades, causing no symptoms until it progresses to the cancerous stage. Once mesothelioma has reached the late stages, symptoms can be painful and debilitating.
During the more than three decades since LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. was founded, more information about mesothelioma has become widely available. Because of its long latency period and aggressive nature once symptoms appear, patients in the past had few options once they learned they had the disease. Doctors now have access to data about risk factors, warning signs and diagnostic tests that make detection at the earliest stages possible. In some cases, doctors may even be able to take precautionary measures for individuals at high risk of developing mesothelioma down the road. Advances in treatment have extended patient life expectancy and improved quality of life.
Relationship Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is tied directly to asbestos exposure. During the early half of the 20th century, asbestos was widely used in construction, manufacturing and other industries because of its fire- and heat-resistant properties. Companies stopped using the material when researchers discovered that the small, jagged fibers of asbestos can become trapped in the lungs and cause mesothelioma. Nonetheless, people who were exposed 50 years ago are falling ill today. In addition, asbestos still exists in old homes, insulation and other items that can deteriorate and expose new victims to dangerous fibers.
A Doctor’s Role in Early Detection
One of the most frightening characteristics of mesothelioma is its aggressiveness. In the past, it caused death within months of discovery. Today, doctors have the tools to identify your risk factors, confirm your diagnosis and aggressively treat your condition. Your doctor should evaluate certain factors that make you a candidate for the disease, including:
- A home in which you lived may have been constructed with asbestos-containing products.
- You lived with a person who worked in a high-asbestos-exposure job.
- You smoke, in addition to potentially having been exposed to asbestos.
- You worked in an occupation that likely put you in contact with asbestos.
If you have risk factors, your doctor can order a blood test to detect mesothelioma before symptoms appear. X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs and biopsies of the tumors can confirm the diagnosis.
If cancer misdiagnosis has dimmed your prognosis, our attorneys conduct a full investigation into what your doctors could have done differently. Our lawyers then give you candid advice about whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim, and we take prompt, decisive steps to recover your rightful compensation.
Contact the Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton to Learn Whether You Have a Case Against Your Doctors for Misdiagnosis of Mesothelioma
For information about mesothelioma compensation, call LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact our firm online to schedule your free initial consultation. Our firm is available by phone 24-hours a day and represents clients on a contingency basis.