Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis - Medical Negligence Solicitors
Mesothelioma is an asbestos related disease, otherwise known as asbestos cancer, which is caused by inhalation or ingestion of microscopic asbestos fibres. Asbestos production and use has ceased throughout the world, although due to its long latency period which may be 50 years or more between exposure and first symptoms, it is anticipated that mesotheolima cases will continue to rise until 2020. Mesothelioma risk will also continue into the foreseeable future due to risky behaviour by contractors when dealing with the millions of tons of asbestos previously used in the construction industry that are still in situe in older buildings. The main symptoms of mesothelioma are breathlessness and discomfort in the chest, often accompanied by a cough and hoarseness of the voice. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, sweating, weight loss and tiredness which may make mesothelioma subject to misdiagnosis due to other unrelated and less serious conditions sharing similar symptoms. The prognosis for mesothelioma is not good with few victims still alive five years after initial diagnosis.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis of mesothelioma is by the use of chest x-ray, CT scan, pleural or peritoneal aspiration and biopsy. All of these tests depend on human interpretation and mistakes made in diagnosis may amount to actionable medical negligence.