New York residents may know that mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. While it typically forms in the lungs, it can also occur in other parts of the body like the heart. The rarest form of mesothelioma occurs in the testicles, and there are 100 reported cases of the condition. Symptoms may include swelling of the scrotum or lumps or pain in the testicles.
Testicular mesothelioma occurs when asbestos particles interact with mesothelioma cells in the tunica vaginalis. This is a membrane near the testicles in which asbestos fibers can get stuck and irritate the cells. Nodules and tumors may form as a result, and some people may also experience fluid buildup in the scrotum. While these and other symptoms may be the result of cancer, patients may be misdiagnosed with a hernia.
In many cases, patients do not receive a correct diagnosis until they are in surgery. Blood tests may also be used to get a more accurate diagnosis of a patient's condition. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be able to help manage symptoms and increase a patient's life span. However, there is no cure for mesothelioma, and palliative care may be recommended if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
A doctor's failure to diagnose an illness could be construed as medical malpractice. This may be true if the doctor who made the diagnosis ignored or refused to seek out information that could have led him or her to a better diagnosis. If a patient is harmed because of negligence on the part of a medical professional, that patient may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other costs. An attorney may help individuals pursue compensation through a formal trial or informal settlement talks.
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