Mesothelioma Attorney

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the protective membrane that lines the body’s cavities, the mesothelium. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, but once it invades the body, it can irritate and inflame tissues and cause damage on the cellular level.

Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on which part of the body it is affecting and generally do not appear until the cancer has passed the early stages. Pleural mesothelioma, or mesothelioma that has invaded the thoracic cavity, may have symptoms similar to flu, including persistent cough, fatigue, chest pain, and night sweats.

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the membrane around the heart and may mimic other cardiac conditions. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal cavity may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation, fever, and anemia or pain. Lumps are often the only symptom of testicular mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, but a number of treatment options exist for those who have been diagnosed with this form of cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment have all helped individuals live longer or improve their quality of life.

Surgery is typically used to remove cancers, but because mesothelioma is so frequently diagnosed in advanced stages, it is more likely to be performed for palliative reasons. Surgeons may remove fluid to ease breathing or remove the pleura in an attempt to reduce fluid build-up and pain.

Chemotherapy is administered intravenously for individuals with mesothelioma. The chemotherapy drugs are not a cure, but they can provide relief from the pain and discomfort that often accompany mesothelioma.

Radiation therapy is often recommended when an individual is not strong enough for surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation may also be combined with either chemotherapy or surgery for a multi modal treatment approach. Radiation can be administered to ease breathing, pain, or improve swallowing, but it will not cure the cancer.

The prognosis for an individual diagnosed with mesothelioma varies depending on a number of factors. The location of the cancer and its size, whether or not it can be surgically removed, related symptoms, and whether or not the individual smokes all affect the prognosis.

The stage of cancer also plays a large role in determining a person’s prognosis. Cancer will often be addressed in terms of stages ranging from 1 through 4, with 1 being considered highly treatable and 4 being more difficult to treat.

The type of cancer cell involved in the mesothelioma cancer will also play a role in an individual’s prognosis as well. Epithelial mesothelioma is more common and has a longer survival rate. In one study, 74% of individuals diagnosed with epithelial mesothelioma survived at least 2 years.

Sarcoma cell is less common and has a lower survival rate. The same study, which was conducted at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, showed that just 20% of those diagnosed with sarcoma cell mesothelioma were still alive just 2 years post-diagnosis.

The American Cancer Society states that the 5-year survival rate for those with mesothelioma is around 10%, meaning that about 10% of those diagnosed with the cancer survive at least 5 years. Studies show that about 40% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma survive at least 1 year. Cancer of the mesothelium has a long latency period of between 20 and 40 years, and it may take years to be diagnosed. An aging individual with several co morbid conditions may have a worse prognosis after diagnosis than a younger, relatively healthy individual.