We will take out time to review Mesothelioma Causes/Compensation in this article. All you have to do Is to read to the end to get all the tips and processes for proper compensation.
A Mesothelioma claim is simply a lawsuit filed against a negligent asbestos company. It is also known as the asbestos claim. These mesothelioma claims are filed as a result of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma claims when filled allow mesothelioma patients to enjoy Mesothelioma compensation which comes in financial payouts.
This writeup will cover;
- Mesothelioma causes
- Mesothelioma claims
- Statute of limitations on Mesothelioma claims
- Mesothelioma claims process
- Mesothelioma claims after death
- Also, Mesothelioma lawsuits
- Mesothelioma Compensation
- Private Health Insurance
- Mesothelioma definition
- Mesothelioma Treatments
- Chemotherapy
Mesothelioma causes
It has been established that cancer begins when your DNA is altered through Changes in cells (Mutation). It is the DNA that instructs the cells on what to do. When we talk about Mesothelioma causes, it is when mutations tell the cell to grow and multiply out of control. This unusual growth comes together to produce a tumor.
Though most of the time, it is not clear what actually leads to this initial genetic mutation that leads to mesothelioma. But research has come up to identify factors that can increase the risk.
Nevertheless, it has been established that Mesothelioma causes is mostly by Asbestos exposure. Most Mesothelioma causes are the result of asbestos exposure.
Look no further as it is asbestos that causes pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma compensation usually covers medical bills and other expenses associated with an asbestos-related diagnosis. More also, mesothelioma compensations vary from thousands to millions of dollars when the jury award the Mesothelioma compensation.
Mesothelioma claims are divided into two primary types which are injury claims and wrongful death claims. Also, there are other types of claims which include trust fund claims and veteran affairs.
The Mesothelioma Center logo A mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit is the best type of claim to file if your family needs compensation to pay for medical bills and other expenses. If a person dies of Mesothelioma, their estate may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Mesothelioma lawsuits
There are two types of mesothelioma lawsuits:
Personal Injury Claims:
These lawsuits are filed by people diagnosed with Mesothelioma seeking compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other financial matters.
Wrongful Death Claims:
These lawsuits are usually filed by the estate of a deceased loved one who died of Mesothelioma.
If the defendants do not settle and your case goes to trial, a jury will rule them liable or not liable. If the defendant is found liable, the trial verdict will include monetary compensation. Each Mesothelioma case is unique, and there are no set guidelines for compensation.
Settlements
A settlement happens when a defendant offers compensation to a mesothelioma plaintiff
Tips on Mesothelioma Compensation
Mesothelioma compensation averages from $1 million to $2.4 million. Financial compensation for mesothelioma may come from asbestos trust funds, settlements or jury verdicts. It typically takes less than one year to receive compensation from trust funds and settlements. It may take years to receive compensation from trial verdicts.
This Compensation differs for each type of claim. According to a 2016 Mealey’s Litigation Report, the average Mesothelioma trial payout is about $2.4 million. The average settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million. If a mesothelioma claim goes to trial, a settlement could be reached or a jury could determine the amount of compensation if the defendant is found guilty of the asbestos exposure.
If a loved one dies from mesothelioma, compensation may be available to family members, spouses, or dependents. This is through a wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of the estate.
If you or your loved one is not filing a legal claim, there may be other types of financial assistance available. We understand that filing a lawsuit feels overwhelming and stressful. Besides, there are other options for compensation, and it’s important to weigh all your options to decide what is best for your family.
How Long Will It Take to Get Compensation?
How long it takes to get compensation depends upon the type of claim you file:
- A verdict from a jury trial could take years, but defendants may offer to settle quickly, possibly within several months.
- Money from asbestos trusts can come within a few months.
Deciding whether to file a lawsuit is an important decision in any situation. Especially if you are coping with the stress of a terminal illness. A Mesothelioma lawyer can provide the most accurate estimate of how long it might take to get compensation for your unique case.
TYPES OF MESOTHELIOMA COMPENSATION
There are several types of Mesothelioma compensation that can be awarded after lawsuits have been filed. These are
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Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies that manufactured products with asbestos declared bankruptcy because of the large number of mesothelioma lawsuits filed against them.
This does not mean these companies have escaped liability. In bankruptcy protection, asbestos manufacturers are ordered to set up funds with enough money to compensate future asbestos victims. Most trust funds contain hundreds of millions of dollars, and some even contain billions.
If you develop mesothelioma as a result of exposure to an asbestos product made by a company that went bankrupt, your legal claim is processed through the bankrupt company’s trust fund rather than the court system.
Trust fund claims are processed quicker than mesothelioma lawsuits because they don’t have to be processed by the court system. Claimants typically receive compensation within a couple of months to drop the lawsuit.
Lawsuit
Several factors affect whether your mesothelioma lawsuit may reach a settlement:
- Some defendants decide settling a claim is cheaper than racking up more legal fees and risking a loss at trial.
- Other defendants are willing to risk a trial because they can opt to negotiate a settlement at any point, particularly if the case seems to be favoring you.
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma that was exposed to asbestos can file a claim for compensation. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help gauge your eligibility and case value.
Consider the following steps to get mesothelioma compensation:
- Step 1: Firstly, Find out what compensation you’re eligible for by speaking with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can help determine what’s best for you and your family
- Next Step 2: Work with your attorney to help them discover all about your asbestos exposure history
- Step 3: Consider all options for compensation that your attorney presents, which may include trust funds and lawsuits
- Step 4: Lastly, if you decide to file a lawsuit, you may have to consider settlement offers from the defendants
The most important step is finding an attorney with the right experience. You want to select an attorney who exclusively handles mesothelioma lawsuits. They will have the experience necessary to handle your case and maximize your compensation.
No one is expected to remember everything about their work, health, life, and exposure history. It’s simply too much information, and the time between exposure and diagnosis is too long.
This is one of the reasons why people file lawsuits instead of workers’ compensation claims. Too much time has passed to even legally file this kind of claim.
mesothelioma Claim and Attorney
That’s why the single most important action you can take when considering an asbestos claim is to speak with a qualified mesothelioma attorney. They have resources to trace your exposure history that other attorneys do not have, and those resources can help your case significantly.
In addition to compensation from a mesothelioma claim, you can take advantage of other types of financial assistance. These programs are designed to help anyone with a serious illness. Some of these programs can provide financial assistance in just a few weeks or months.
MILITARY VETERAN CLAIMS
Many people who served in the U.S. armed forces – especially those who worked in shipyards – were exposed to asbestos.
Veterans have a right to file a VA claim seeking compensation for any illnesses that developed as a result of their military service. The paperwork can be confusing and complicated. A VA-Accredited Claims Agent can help.
VA-Accredited Claims Agents also recommend that veterans file a VA claim at the same time they file a legal claim. Waiting to file them separately will only delay things. The compensation received from one claim won’t impact the other, which means you’ll receive compensation quicker if you file these claims at the same time.
Private Health Insurance
Health insurance can help offset your expenses. If you already have insurance, review your out-of-pocket deductible and co-pay amounts as well as any limits on coverage.
If you receive benefits through your employer’s group health insurance plan and are unable to return to work, your employer will usually stop paying for your health insurance. You can continue your coverage for a limited period of time, but your premium will cost more.
Be sure to review your insurance documents, get more information from your insurer, and talk with your human resources manager.
Medicare and Medicaid
You may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid benefits. These government programs offer health care benefits for eligible senior citizens, people with disabilities, and people with limited income.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
If you have long-term disability insurance, you may be able to receive a percentage of your salary.
Usually, this is only available if you will be away from work for more than several months. You have to submit paperwork so your insurer can determine if you are eligible for benefits. This includes documentation from your doctor verifying your disability.
It typically takes one to four months to start receiving benefits. Your policy may also limit how long you can receive benefits. Like health insurance, if you do not already have long-term disability coverage when you are diagnosed, you may not be eligible for a new policy.
Social Security Disability Payments
If you are unable to work because of your illness and you are still eligible, you can apply for Social Security Disability Benefits.
You may qualify to receive a disability determination within days, but it usually takes several months to apply for and begin receiving benefits.
The Compassionate Allowances program allows patients with certain serious diseases to apply for benefits under a fast-track process. Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients are eligible for this program.
Community Assistance
Assistance may be available in your local community. Some organizations provide grants to help families with transportation, lodging, food, and other out-of-pocket costs that arise during treatment.
There may also be volunteers in your community who can help you with errands, transportation and other caregiving duties. Contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or another cancer support group for more information.
Tips: There is usually a deadline for filing mesothelioma claims as it can affect Mesothelioma compensation. It is better to speak to an attorney as soon as a Mesothelioma diagnosis occurs.
Mesothelioma definition
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers and forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain.
The life expectancy for most mesothelioma patients is approximately 12 months after diagnosis. Treatment may improve prognosis and can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Mesothelioma treatments
There are treatments that are associated with mesothelioma when cancer has been confirmed. But
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but it is possible for treatment to improve patient prognosis. Mesothelioma Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, patient characteristics, and staging. For late-stage patients, there are alternative therapies and palliative care options that can help improve symptoms and quality of life.
Standard Mesothelioma Treatments
When determining which treatment type is best for the patient, mesothelioma doctors will consider mesothelioma type, cell type, and patient characteristics. The patient’s age and overall health may limit what treatment options are viable. The stage of cancer is also an influential factor. If the disease is localized, more treatment options are available than if spreading has occurred. The treatment options are as follows:
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Surgery
For patients with an early-stage mesothelioma diagnosis, surgery can be used to remove all or most of the tumor(s). Depending on the tumor location, surgery may include removing the mesothelial lining, one or more lymph nodes, or part or all of a lung or other organ. Radical mesothelioma surgeries that have shown success include a pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs work by attacking fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells. Often used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy can kill any remaining mesothelioma cells and help prevent a recurrence.
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Radiation Therapy
Through the use of targeted radiation, mesothelioma cells can be killed after surgery or in situations where tumors are causing symptoms like pain. Two types of radiation for mesothelioma include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
In many cases, mesothelioma specialists will recommend a multimodal approach, which combines surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, or even emerging treatments in some cases. In various studies, multimodal treatment has been shown to be more effective than any of the individual treatments alone.
More Tips on surgery
In particular, surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a heated chemotherapy wash applied directly to the abdominal cavity, has demonstrated around a 50% survival rate or higher for peritoneal mesothelioma patients in recent clinical studies. With aggressive multimodal plans, patients should be aware of all potential treatment side effects.
When conducting a multimodal treatment plan, doctors will refer to treatments as neoadjuvant, primary, or adjuvant. The three types of treatments are determined based on the order that they are performed.
Neoadjuvant therapy: Used before the primary treatment to shrink or reduce tumor size (commonly radiation or chemotherapy).
Primary treatment: The main treatment type, is used to remove as much of cancer as possible (commonly surgery).
Adjuvant therapy: Treatment performed after the primary treatment to kill remaining cancer cells (commonly chemotherapy).
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Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has been shown to be successful in Mesothelioma treatment and other diseases by boosting the immune system. Used on its own or when combined with standard treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy has shown promising success in the treatment of mesothelioma, in some cases extending life expectancy by months or even years.
The effectiveness of different immunotherapy drugs continues to be tested, particularly when used during a multimodal treatment plan. Types of immunotherapy include:
- Firstly, Adoptive cell therapy
- Cancer vaccines
- Checkpoint inhibitors
- Lastly, Monoclonal antibodies
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Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is another emerging mesothelioma treatment that has shown promise in treating malignant mesothelioma for some patients. in the same vein, Gene therapy works by repairing the genetic structure or function of cells. If repair is successful, it can potentially treat the disease or help prevent the development of diseases without as many side effects as treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Types of gene therapy include:
- Gene transfer
- Genetic virotherapy
- Oncolytic viruses
Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma chemotherapy is a treatment that usually combines the drugs cisplatin and pemetrexed, which is also known as Alimta. These drugs help shrink tumors and kill mesothelioma cancer cells, reducing symptoms, and improving a patient’s quality of life.
How Mesothelioma Chemotherapy works
Chemotherapy, which is commonly referred to as “chemo,” is used to treat mesothelioma with two goals in mind:
- Controlling tumor growth: Chemotherapy drugs kill the cancer cells that create tumors. The treatment can shrink tumors and prevent or limit new tumor growth. This is how chemotherapy helps mesothelioma patients live longer.
- Reducing symptoms: Chemotherapy also reduces mesothelioma symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing by shrinking tumors pressing against the lungs and chest wall.
Although chemotherapy can’t cure mesothelioma, it can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival. Doctors can also use chemo in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, or an emerging treatment such as immunotherapy.
Cancer specialists can tailor chemotherapy to the circumstances of individual patients. The therapy remains the most common form of treatment for mesothelioma because it involves several medications, dosage levels, and methods of administration.
How Chemotherapy Drugs Are Administered
- Systemic chemotherapy is delivered intravenously through a vein or a port. It circulates throughout the entire body, which exposes healthy and cancerous cells to chemotherapy. This delivery method may cause more side effects, but it is less invasive than chemotherapy delivered during surgery. Systemic chemotherapy may be administered alone, which is the most common treatment for all types of mesothelioma, or in combination with other treatments.
- Intraoperative chemotherapy is delivered during surgery within the body cavity where cancer forms. This localized application of chemotherapy targets cancer more directly and spares the rest of the body from exposure to chemotherapy, which reduces the risk of side effects.
Chemotherapy in a Multimodal Treatment Plan
For patients diagnosed with early-stage mesothelioma and who are healthy enough to withstand aggressive cancer treatment, chemotherapy is often combined with other treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy. This is called multimodal therapy, and it offers a chance at long-term survival.
Doctors use the following terms for the timing of when chemotherapy for mesothelioma is delivered.
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is delivered systemically before surgery to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove.
- Intraoperative chemotherapy is delivered locally during surgery to directly expose cancer cells to chemotherapy.
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is delivered systemically after surgery to prevent local cancer recurrence.
Intraoperative chemotherapy is only available at top cancer centers, while systemic chemotherapy can be administered at hospitals and other medical facilities.
What to Expect During Chemotherapy Treatment
Your oncologist will determine which drugs you get, the dosage, and the frequency.
Chemotherapy is given at regular intervals called cycles. For mesothelioma patients, this usually means you will receive a dose of two chemotherapy drugs followed by weeks without treatment. This break in treatment allows healthy cells to recover from the effects of chemotherapy.
Your chemotherapy schedule may change based on your response to chemotherapy. If you develop concerning side effects, your doctor may recommend that you delay or skip your next cycle.
The Chemotherapy Process
While chemotherapy procedures always differ from patient to patient, here’s a typical timeline of what to expect from your first consultation to the end of treatment.
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Consultation
Discuss the decision to start chemo for mesothelioma with your medical team and your family. Make sure your diagnosis and blood work has been analyzed by an experienced mesothelioma doctor, and ask your doctors plenty of questions, so you fully understand the pros and cons of chemotherapy.
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Preparation
Doctors often prescribe drugs ahead of time to reduce chemotherapy side effects. Many patients will need to have a port, catheter, or pump inserted in them before they can receive systemic chemotherapy. Arrange for a ride to and from your first session.
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Treatment
Doctors start with three or four cycles of chemo treatment, administered approximately every three weeks. After taking your vitals and verifying the dosage, a nurse will supervise each treatment. Treatment typically includes 30 minutes of one drug, then up to two hours of a second drug.
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Post-treatment
Follow-up visits will begin a few weeks after you complete the entire regimen. You can ask more questions at follow-up visits, get insight into the treatment, discuss its success or failure, and whether more treatments are recommended. Bring a family member to help with the discussion.
Tips Before Starting Chemotherapy
- Research the drugs your doctor is recommending and all known side effects.
- Write down all questions you have about chemotherapy to ask your oncologist.
- Discuss alternatives with your oncologist.
Preparing for Chemotherapy
- Preliminary testing: You will undergo blood and heart tests to ensure your body can tolerate chemotherapy.
- Port placement: Systemic chemotherapy must be delivered through a port, catheter, or pump surgically placed into a large vein.
- Dental checkup: You may need a dental visit to check for signs of infection. Proper treatment of dental infections reduces the risk of complications during chemotherapy.
- Expect side effects: Discuss managing possible chemotherapy side effects with your oncologist. You may need to pick up prescriptions that treat side effects before your first treatment.
- Ask for assistance: Ask family and friends to help you at home and work. Extreme fatigue often follows chemotherapy treatment, and you may need their assistance for daily duties.
- Get ready for treatment: Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. Eat a light meal before treatment. Get enough sleep to arrive well-rested, and plan for a ride to and from your sessions.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Although chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for killing mesothelioma cells, it carries severe side effects.
The most common side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mouth sores
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Hair loss
- Confusion and forgetfulness (also known as “chemo brain”)
- Low blood cell counts
Fatigue
Fatigue affects nearly all cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy, causing them to consistently feel exhausted.
You can manage mild fatigue by getting adequate sleep, taking short naps, and performing the regular light exercise. If fatigue makes it hard for you to complete chores or errands, allow friends and relatives to help with easy tasks such as grocery shopping and meal preparation.
If you feel faint, dizzy, or short of breath, or if your fatigue results in depression or insomnia, call your doctor. They may need to adjust your treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting occur in 70% to 80% of chemotherapy patients. These symptoms may occur immediately after the drugs are administered or be delayed by several days, and they may disappear within hours or last up to a week.
Patients often struggle to maintain a healthy weight while fighting nausea or bouts of vomiting. As an added complication, the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can also make swallowing food difficult.
You should call your doctor if your nausea and vomiting is severe.
Mouth Sores
Chemotherapy drugs can damage cells inside the mouth, causing problems with a patient’s teeth and gums. Patients may also experience painful sores inside the mouth if dental hygiene is poor before treatment.
Seeing a dentist a month before beginning treatment can help prevent sores. A teeth cleaning is a start, but the dentist can also take X-rays to spot any potential problems and give you tips on how to self-treat sore gums and mouth sores.
Diarrhea and Constipation
Chemotherapy drugs often irritate the gastrointestinal tract lining, causing diarrhea and constipation. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may be more susceptible to these side effects because of cancer-related damage and regular irritation to this part of the body.
You can manage these symptoms with anti-diarrheal medications or laxatives, which are available at most drug stores. Simple changes, such as drinking more water and eating more fruits and vegetables, may also help relieve these side effects.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is perhaps the most common side effect associated with chemotherapy. Unlike the others, unfortunately, it is not treatable. Because hair is one of the most rapidly dividing healthy cells in our bodies, it is very susceptible to damage from chemotherapy drugs.
Some patients choose to wear wigs, and some insurance plans will help defray the costs of purchasing wigs.
Chemo Brain
The chemo brain may involve forgetfulness, foggy thoughts, and other forms of cognitive impairment. Many chemotherapy patients experience varying degrees of cognitive impairment ranging from mild to severe. Chemo brain is short-lived in some patients, while others experience chemo brain symptoms for months or years. Coping tips and strategies help patients manage these symptoms.
Low Blood Counts
Chemotherapy drugs can trigger a decrease in blood-cell counts several days after the first dose of treatment. A drop in white blood cells (neutropenia) weakens the immune system; a reduction of platelets (thrombocytopenia) lowers the blood’s ability to clot, and a drop in red blood cells (anemia) causes fatigue.
Rare Side Effects
- First, Bloody stool or urine
- Fever higher than 100.5 F
- Unexplained bruising
- Shortness of breath
- Intense headaches
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of those symptoms.
Certain side effects of chemo for mesothelioma are more serious and should be carefully monitored. These symptoms can indicate a negative reaction to medication or an infection.
Patients who experience severe problems from their chemotherapy are encouraged to report them to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patients can file a report on the FDA website to help researchers more effectively tailor future treatment.
Mental Health Side Effects
Some physical side effects, such as hair loss and fluctuations in weight, can cause mesothelioma patients to struggle with self-esteem, leading to depression and other emotional side effects.
In fact, up to 25% of cancer patients report feeling depressed during and after treatment. Counselors, support groups, antidepressant medications, and meditation can help patients manage the psychological effects of chemotherapy.
Managing Side Effects
Patients should monitor their health closely for signs of side effects. Catching and treating them early makes them easier to control and prevents them from progressing into more serious side effects.
Ask your oncologist for a referral to a palliative care specialist. These doctors are experts at managing side effects and controlling cancer symptoms including pain.
Hidden Side Effect: Financial Toxicity
Another little-known side effect is financial toxicity, which refers to “problems a cancer patient has related to the cost of treatment,” according to the National Cancer Institute. Studies have proven cancer treatment is less effective when patients struggle to afford it, and medical professionals are paying more and more attention to this issue.
Many cancer patients must rely on financial assistance during treatment, and mesothelioma patients are no exception.
Tip: Do not be reluctant to discuss any problems that you are experiencing during chemotherapy treatments with your doctors and their staff.
Mesothelioma Doctor
Mesothelioma doctors are doctors who specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma patients. These doctors are known as oncologists.
Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, some specific to mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma doctors understand the latest research and treatment advancements, including through clinical trials. In recent years, strides have been made in understanding and addressing the disease.
Also
Not all physicians have experience treating mesothelioma cancer. There are mesothelioma doctors around the United States who have experience treating the disease with extensive knowledge regarding the best treatment options, new treatment advances, and palliative care to potentially extend patient survival and improve quality of life.
Some mesothelioma doctors specialize in particular types of diseases. Thoracic oncologists specialize in cancers of the chest with expertise specific to pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. Some mesothelioma doctors also specialize, mostly in peritoneal mesothelioma.
If a patient is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, they’ll likely be referred by their primary health care physician to a larger-scale comprehensive cancer institute. Comprehensive cancer centers will be able to provide the most up-to-date cancer treatments, as well as access to different clinical trials. Cancer centers are located throughout the country, and many are linked to top medical universities.
Palliative Mesothelioma Treatments
Palliative mesothelioma treatments may be used on their own or in conjunction with standard treatment options. These treatments aren’t used to treat cancer, but rather to improve symptoms and quality of life for patients.
Common palliative treatments include Pleurocentesis and paracentesis, which are used to drain excess fluid buildup around the lungs or abdomen. This helps alleviate symptoms associated with fluid buildup, including chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath.
Palliative treatments can be invasive or non-invasive, including anything from pain medication to physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, yoga, and other alternative therapies. Mesothelioma patients may undergo palliative care during their treatment journey, as their sole treatment plan during the late stages of their diagnosis or after treatment.
No matter what type of treatment patients pursue, they should discuss all options with their medical care team to understand what is best for their individual case. This can also provide an idea of potential treatment costs for financial planning and decision-making.
More Tips
Not all physicians have experience with mesothelioma, so patients are typically referred to as a cancer specialist by their healthcare providers. Finding a mesothelioma specialist doctor is not only crucial to receiving the best treatment, but also to ensuring an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis. Early detection is difficult for mesothelioma, but it is the best way to improve the prognosis. A mesothelioma doctor can diagnose the disease, or confirm a diagnosis, determining mesothelioma type, cell type, staging, treatment options, and prognosis. With a thorough understanding of mesothelioma cancer, these doctors can help inform patients and their families.
Patients often have to travel to a comprehensive cancer center for specialized care. Most cancer centers are located in major cities, but there are mesothelioma doctors around the United States.
It’s important for patients and their loved ones to find a doctor that they are confident and comfortable to lessen their stress throughout their treatment journey. When selecting a doctor, patients should keep the following in mind
- Firstly, ü ask questions and gain a thorough understanding of the physician’s experience,
- Next ü treatment capabilities of the mesothelioma doctor,
- Again ü Level of trust and communication and ability to meet any patient concerns.
First Appointments with a Mesothelioma Doctor
It can be overwhelming for patients to attend their first appointment after a mesothelioma diagnosis, especially when they have to travel. A good way to prepare is by getting organized with information and questions that will help the doctor understand your concerns and all aspects of your individual case.
Patients should consider bringing:
- Firstly, All medical records and scans
- A list of current medications, vitamins, and supplements
- A list of current allergies
- Copies of insurance cards
- Any new patient forms that were sent prior to the appointment
- A friend or family member that can offer support, ask questions and listen
- A list of current questions and concerns
- A notebook to take notes during the appointment
- Prior to the appointment, patients should also:
- Determine travel needs and travel times
- Finally, Figure out accommodations, if needed, and transportation to the doctor’s office.