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Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult.
Diagnosis is made by a pathologist after microscopic analysis of the
patient's tissue.
Treatment
Treatment options for mesothelioma are limited and include:
- Fluid Removal - In the early
stages of the disease, when chest pain and shortness of breath are
due to the accumulation of fluid, the fluid may be removed through
a needle injected into the pleural cavity.
- Surgery can be used to remove
part of the tissue lining the chest and/or part of the affected
lung.
- Chemotherapy employs the use
of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is generally administered
intravenously.
- Radiation Therapy uses high-doses
of intense x-rays to try to kill cancer cells.
Prognosis
Although many forms of cancer are amenable to surgery, radiation
and/or chemotherapy, unfortunately, these treatment methods are not
usually successful in treating mesothelioma. The average survival time
is between 18-36 months from date of diagnosis. Fifty percent (50%)
of patients die within a year of their diagnosis. There are, of course,
exceptions. Younger, healthier patients who are diagnosed and treated
at an early stage may survive longer. A recent study indicates that
a chemotherapy regimen of two drugs --Cisplatin and a new drug called
Alimta (Pemetrexed) -- appears promising in improving survival and decreasing
symptoms.
The Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos is
a nationally recognized law firm in the area of asbestos disease. Over
the years, we have successfully represented hundreds of individuals
diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, and we can help you or your loved
one too.
If you or a loved one has been exposed
to asbestos, or is suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related
diseases, we would like to help.
E-mail
or call one of our mesothelioma lawyers
to
schedule a free initial consultation and evaluation of your case today.
800-556-5522
CONTACT US
A History of Service. A Tradition of Success.
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