When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is a life changing event. It is important to have a good support system to help you along the way after your diagnosis. It is also important to be paired with doctors and experts in the field who can help you with treatment. It is useful to know about symptoms, treatment, and management options.
How Mesothelioma Comes About
Mesothelioma cancer begins when the DNA of a cell mutates, causing the cell to get false information and to multiply. The extensive growth of the cells causes tumors or masses. Mesothelioma is strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form of mesothelioma, beginning in the lining of the lungs. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can move into tiny airways and disturb the pleura. This disruption leads to inflammation that can cause the formation of abnormal cancerous cells. Other linings in the body can also be affected in the same ways and cause other forms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.
When the mesothelioma cancer gets more aggressive, it can cause fluid to gather in the area between the chest and the chest wall, resulting in shortness of breath, which is a very common symptom of pleural mesothelioma. If those who have mesothelioma are not treated, the cancer can easily spread to nearby or distant lymph nodes.
There are certain people who are more at risk for developing mesothelioma than the rest of the population, such as members of the navy, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, insulators, and pipefitters.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include pain in the side of the chest or lower back, dry cough, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. Symptoms of all forms of mesothelioma, no matter the origin of the cancer, usually include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
To diagnose mesothelioma, a physical exam is usually done first, followed by an X-ray or a CT scan. If fluid is found in the pleura it must be assessed to determine the cause of the fluid. To assess the fluid, it is drained with a needle aspiration that is guided through an ultrasound. This may be done to rule out other causes of the fluid other than asbestos inhalation. Next there will normally be a biopsy. A tissue sample is collected to determine if the patient does in fact have mesothelioma along with the type of mesothelioma they have.
Next Steps
Once diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is essential to go over the next steps and to talk with your provider about the appropriate treatment options for you. One treatment option that is useful to investigate is palliative care, which is “a medical specialty focused on relieving pain, stress and other symptoms with a goal of improving your quality of life” (American Lung Association.) Palliative care can be a good treatment option to reduce symptoms and enable mesothelioma patients to have a more enjoyable life. Some mesothelioma patients can also participate in a clinical trial. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, be sure to speak with your doctor about any clinical trials that are going on and if it makes sense for you to participate.
You can also join a support group either virtually or in-person that may help you navigate your diagnosis, help you answer questions, and just help you adapt to having mesothelioma.
Financial Concerns
Additionally, it is understandable to have financial concerns if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to the cost of hospital visits and treatment. You can talk to your doctor about your concerns, and they may be able to get you into a financial assistance program.
At The Halpern Law Firm our goal is also to help you with financial assistance by helping you file a lawsuit against negligent companies or file a claim with an asbestos trust to get you the compensation you deserve. For more information or for legal assistance please call us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our form.
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/managing-advanced-lung-disease
Written By Sadie Gold
