Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the lining around the internal organs and the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma, like other forms of cancer, can be treated. Although an individual cannot be “cured” of mesothelioma, his or her cancer can go into remission, which means that the tumor has stopped growing. Full remission means that there are no longer any detectable cancer cells in the patient’s body and partial remission means that although the tumor remains, it is no longer growing or spreading. In either case, the patient’s condition improves significantly when he or she goes into remission and this can lead to many more healthy years.

The earlier mesothelioma is detected, the more treatment options a patient has. Mesothelioma intervention can be effective in removing cancer cells and slowing the growth of the patient’s tumor, or palliative, which means that it aims to reduce the patient’s symptoms and improve his or her quality of life. Treating mesothelioma can be expensive, but do not let the cost of your treatment deter you from seeking the care you need. If you are suffering from mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos that could have been prevented, you could be entitled to compensation for your expenses through an asbestos exposure claim.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is diagnosed with imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsies. In most cases, more than one of these diagnostic tools is used to confirm that a patient has mesothelioma.

When a patient discusses symptoms with their primary care provider, the doctor may perform some initial tests such as an MRI or an x-ray. If the doctor suspects that the patient has developed mesothelioma, an oncologist can confirm whether this is the case. By taking a biopsy, which is the test of a sample of tissue from the affected area.

Treatment for Mesothelioma by Stage

The earlier mesothelioma is detected, the more treatment options the patient has available and the longer life expectancy. Mesothelioma progresses through four stages:

  • Stage One. In this stage, the tumor might not even be visible. It is rare for mesothelioma to be detected at this stage due to a lack of symptoms and the small size of the tumor. Early mesothelioma may be detected by accident during imaging for another condition. At this stage, a patient can receive aggressive treatment;
  • Stage Two. By stage two, the tumor is visible and the patient is experiencing symptoms like weight loss and chest pain. Aggressive treatment is still possible;
  • Stage Three. By stage three, cancer has spread beyond its initial point. Treatment is still possible, but it does not have the same likelihood of success as in earlier stages. Treatments may be used in conjunction with palliative care; and
  • Stage Four. By stage four, palliative care is the patient’s only option. In this stage, cancer has spread far beyond its original point and the patient may be experiencing severe symptoms.
Aggressive Treatments vs. Palliative Mesothelioma Treatment

Aggressive treatment options include any type of treatment designed to slow the spread of cancer cells in the patient’s body and achieve remission. Treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Often, patients receive a combination of these treatment methods when they undergo care.

Palliative treatment is treatment meant to treat symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. When a patient has reached stage four and other treatments would no longer be effective, the patient’s doctor might recommend palliative care. Certain types of treatment, such as chemotherapy and surgery, can also be used as palliative approaches to treating mesothelioma. Other treatment types, like oxygen therapy, may also be used to relieve the patient’s pain.

In the following video, Dr. Joseph Friedberg with the University of Maryland Medical Center discusses some of the treatment options for mesothelioma.

Sacramento Mesothelioma Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento mesothelioma lawyer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this disease, please call me anytime at 916.921.6400 800.404.5400 for free, friendly advice.

Proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

See our client reviews on Yelp, Google, Avvo, and past verdicts/settlements.

Photo by Pexels

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 11.19.19]

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.