If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma and live in the Pittsburgh area, specifically in Allegheny County, the Allegheny General Hospital is a place to get treatment. They also conduct clinical research. There are specialists in many forms of treatment, such as radiation oncology, thoracic and abdominal surgery, gastroenterology, nutrition and supportive care.
Dr. Lana Schumaker is a thoracic surgeon who deals with pleural mesothelioma cases. Dr. Suzzane Schiffman is a general surgeon and handles peritoneal mesothelioma patients. Dr. Blair Jobe is the director of the Esophageal and Lung Institute and takes part in clinical research as well as the treatment of lung diseases.
The Esophageal Lung Institute is localized, meaning patients can get all of their treatment in one place. Each patient is able to get a personalized treatment plan and they receive multidisciplinary care. There is a big emphasis on personalized treatment at the Allegheny General Hospital.
The hospital offers different therapeutic solutions such as surgical debulking and hyperthermic chemoperfusion, which involves surgically removing all visible cancer and then bathing the chest in a solution of chemotherapy. Another form of treatment that the hospital offers is HIPEC treatment, or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, for those with peritoneal mesothelioma. This is a form of treatment in which the abdominal cavity is filled with chemotherapy drugs after they have been heated. Dr. Schiffman tends to combine this surgery with cytoreductive surgery, which is when all the visible cancer cells in the abdominal cavity are removed. This hospital also offers clinical trials.
Tests that the Allegheny Health Network’s Esophageal Institute conduct include imaging tests, such as MRIs, PET scans, CT scans and x-rays to see the whole test and to find tumors. There are also blood tests that can be done to identify specific markers, such as mesomark, Fribulin 3 and antigen 125. Fine needle biopsies are also performed, which is when a small needle is put in a spot where there is a tumor and a small tissue sample is taken out. It is then analyzed under a microscope to see if there has been any cellular changes.
Other treatment options at this institute include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, adjunct therapy, neoadjunct therapy, targeted therapy, pleurodesis, pleurectomy and pneumonectomy.
When it comes to radiation, the oncologists at the Institute use sophisticated technologies to find tumors and upon doing so, come up with treatment plans that target specific doses of high-energy radiation in the direction of the cancer cells. This allows for the tumors to be treated without damaging surrounding areas of the body. Chemotherapy can be administered through a catheter, a pill or through a vein in the arm. Adjunct therapy is administered after surgery in order to lessen the possibility of cancer cells staying in the body. Neoadjunct therapy is given before surgery and it may lessen the size of the tumor, leading to a potentially less aggressive surgery.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at The Halpern Law Firm. We are here to help victims of mesothelioma get the compensation they deserve. We have over 30 years of experience and have won over $100 million for our clients. Some funds may be available within 30 days if you call us at 800-505-6000. We are available 24/7.
Sources:
https://www.asbestos.com/cancer-centers/allegheny-general/
https://www.ahn.org/services/cardiovascular/thoracic-conditions/mesothelioma
Written By Sadie Gold
Don’t Wait—Contact an Experienced Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Attorney Today!
Now that you know the mesothelioma statute of limitations in Pennsylvania, contact an experienced attorney from our firm to represent your case before time runs out.
At Halpern Law Firm, we help clients throughout Pennsylvania, with offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Scranton and Johnstown. Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 505-6000.
