Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatment Options for a Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
With early diagnosis and treatment, many people are surviving for years with a disease that just a few decades ago would have been a hopeless death sentence. Even in advanced stages of asbestos cancer, medical advances are extending life and enabling people to manage the considerable pain.
The Throneberry Law Group has represented clients throughout the United States, helping them connect to health providers who specialize in oncology and mesothelioma care. Our job is to secure compensation to pay for the best medical treatment for our clients. We represent victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose in early stages, because the symptoms are milder and similar to many other illnesses. Unfortunately, this robs many patients of the chance at phenomenal breakthroughs in medical treatment. But even in late stages, there are effective therapies to halt the spread of the cancer to increase longevity and allow patients to live a more active and comfortable life for their remaining time on Earth.
Treatment in the first stages focuses on killing cancer cells, while treatment in latter stages concentrates on alleviating symptoms.
Surgery — Depending on the stage of cancer and the person’s age and health, surgery may be an option. Aggressive surgery can be performed to remove the affected organs such as a lung, pleura (lining around the lung), or a diaphragm with the purpose of removing as much of the cancer as possible. Such procedures are extremely complicated and not all hospitals are willing or able to perform them. Palliative surgery, such as talc pleurodesis or paracentesis to remove a build-up of fluid in the chest and body cavities, is aimed more at relief of pain and easier breathing. Any surgical treatment requires an in-depth analysis and consultation to discuss the risks and determine if the patient is a suitable candidate.
Radiation — It is extremely difficult to deliver adequate doses of radiation necessary to kill the tumor without harming the surrounding organs due to the location of mesothelioma cells. Lowering the radiation dose reduces the side effects, but also reduces the effectiveness. Unfortunately, using radiation therapy after surgery has not been very successful in terms of increasing the rate of survival. However, since surgery does not always remove the entire tumor, radiation therapy can help kill the remaining cancer cells and relieve symptoms such as chest pain.
Chemotherapy and Drug Therapy — Chemotherapy is another common method of treating mesothelioma. A combination of chemotherapy and mesothelioma drugs are usually more effective in treating the disease, especially as newer classes of drugs are being developed. Similarly to radiation therapy, chemotherapy can be used in addition to surgery in order to remove cancer cells missed by surgical operations.
Multi-Modal Therapy — If the patient can tolerate it, a combination of surgery, radiation and/or chemo may yield the best results.
Pain Management — Mesothelioma victims suffer debilitating pain, especially in advanced stages. Thus pain management is one of the most important aspects of treatment. The same therapies that attack the cancer cells or drain fluids may also alleviate symptoms, but most patients will also require powerful medications to be able to function and make life bearable.
Aggressive Representation to Secure Medical Coverage
Our attorneys are skilled at tracing asbestos exposures to pursue compensation for mesothelioma treatment. Our lawyers travel nationwide to assist clients and their caregivers. We offer a free consultation at 888-506-1131 and strong, compassionate advocacy for anyone with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer.