What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer, the majority of which can be traced to occupational exposure. It primarily affects the lining of the lungs or the abdomen and generally has a poor prognosis. One of the biggest issues with treating patients with mesothelioma is that the disease is often in its later stages when it is detected, not giving doctors enough time treat it. When the disease enters stage III or IV, the cancer has already metastasized and options become incredibly limited.
Life Expectancy and Survival Rate
There is no cure for mesothelioma and, while the prognosis is generally poor, there are treatments for it, which are more effective the earlier a patient is diagnosed. Aside from early detection, other factors that may impact the life expectancy of someone suffering from mesothelioma include:
- Age at the time of diagnosis
- Overall health
- Cell type and tumor location
- Spread of the disease
Types of treatment used to treat the disease depend on the stage a patient is in. Within the early stages of mesothelioma, surgery can be used to remove the tumors, depending on its location. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to address remaining cells that surgery could not remove, or to shrink the tumors. For patients in the later stages, doctors will often try to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms.
Since patients do not experience symptoms until 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure, life expectancy from the point of diagnosis is often short, though no longer always the norm. Heather Von St. James is a notable 10-year survivor of the disease. Even without a cure, patients are able to live longer with many of the treatment options available to them.
Mesothelioma Lawyers
At Shrader & Associates, LLP, we understand that finding mesothelioma help in a law firm is an important decision and you undoubtedly have many choices. We have helped hundreds of clients and their families achieve favorable verdicts and settlements, recovering nearly a billion in compensation for their damages. Let us do the same for you.
Call us at (713) 787-3733.