Diagnosis & Treatment of Mesothelioma

Diagnosis

Your doctor will complete a thorough exam which will include questions about your history of exposure to asbestos, your profession, and questions about your military service. After a verbal consultation, your physician will combine the information you supply with radiology examinations and pathology methods to reach a diagnosis.

Below are some answers to questions that you may have about being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

  1. 55. How long do I have to live?
  2. How long can I live with mesothelioma?With a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the average survival rate is 4 to 18 months but there are cases where individuals have lived for more than 12 years following their diagnosis.
  3. 56. How long after asbestos exposure does it take for mesothelioma to develop in the body?
  4. It can take anywhere from 15 to 35 years after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop.
  5. 57. What is going to happen to me physically as my cancer progresses?
  6. As the cancer progresses, some symptoms that you will notice are increased shortness of breath, weight loss, decreased appetite, night sweats, voice changes caused by local invasion of the tumor and loss of diaphragm function.
  7. 58. How is benign mesothelioma diagnosed?
  8. It is very difficult to distinguish benign from malignant mesothelioma without the use of the same diagnosing tools used for the malignant form. An x-ray followed by a CT scan and MRI is usually performed to diagnose benign mesothelioma. Biopsies are also usually performed.
  9. 59. What type of a prognosis should I expect with a benign mesothelioma diagnosis?
  10. Benign tumors do not spread to nearby organs or tissues which means that patients do not have to undergo chemotherapy. A surgical procedure called a thoracotomy is commonly performed which removes one segment of the lung, lobe or very rarely the entire lung. Patients are usually fitted with a chest drain for a few days after surgery. 90 percent of those with a benign mesothelioma tumor will never have a repeat occurrence of tumor development after successful surgery.
  11. 60. How long of a time period must elapse from exposure to asbestos to diagnosis of mesothelioma?
  12. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after the person was first exposed to asbestos. However, most cases of asbestosis or lung cancer occur 15 years or more after first exposure.
  13. 61. How many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year?
  14. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year.

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Since mesothelioma cannot be cured, treatments can alleviate some of your pain and can prolong your survival rate. Your treatment plan will generally involve surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

There are two general types of treatment: curative and palliative. Curative surgery is performed to seek a cure for your mesothelioma. Palliative procedures are performed to reduce the severity of symptoms. Alternative treatment options are also available to you which can be used in conjunction with traditional care.

Below are answers to some questions you may have about treatment for mesothelioma.

  1. 62. What are my treatment options since being diagnosed with mesothelioma?
  2. There are conventional, alternative and experimental treatments available to patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. For conventional treatments, surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, or sometimes a combination of treatments are available to patients. Alternative therapies are often used to complement conventional treatments. Call (888) 888-1136 for more information on treatments or fill out the form on the right.
  3. 63. What alternative treatment options are available to me?
  4. There are alternative treatments for mesotheliomaSome alternative treatments that have been used for mesothelioma are acupuncture, reflexology, meditation, yoga, massage, taking herbal and nutritional supplements and an altered nutrition plan with a dietician. These treatments are very helpful in alleviating excess stress and pain that often comes along with a mesothelioma diagnosis. For more information on alternative treatments, call (888) 888-1136.
  5. 64. What are the side effects of treatment for mesothelioma?
  6. Some common side effects of chemotherapy are fatigue, anorexia or lack of appetite, taste changes, dry mouth, mouth sores and infections, nausea, diarrhea, low white blood cell count and constipation.
  7. 65. Why is it worth going to a major medical center that specializes in treating mesothelioma?
  8. Yes, since a major medical center will usually know the latest developments and options for treatment.
  9. 66. Where can I find a list of the best treatment centers in the country?
  10. There is an extensive list of top centers in the country for mesothelioma treatment and diagnosis. You can access the list at: mesothelioma-law-firm.com/treatments/hospitals/ or complete the form on the right and we will send you a list.
  11. 67. What are the statistics for survival of mesothelioma?
  12. If mesothelioma is discovered early on, there is a higher chance of the patient surviving longer than if the patient is diagnosed after the cancer has progressed further. The average amount of time that patients diagnosed with mesothelioma live is 4 to 18 months. However, 10% of diagnosed people live at least 5 years with the disease. There are also cases of patients living 12 years or longer.
  13. 68. What does palliative care mean?
  14. It is treatment that relieves symptoms of cancer, but is not intended to cure the disease.
  15. 69. What does curative care mean?
  16. This is a type of treatment or surgery attempting to remove as much cancer as possible, essentially trying to cure the disease.
  17. 70. What are my options for palliative surgery?
  18. There are two types of palliative surgeries: pleurodesis and pleurocentesis/paracentesis. During pleurodesis surgery, talc is inserted into the pleural space, thus causing inflammation and stopping fluid from collecting for up to a few years. Pleurocentesis/paracentesis is an outpatient procedure and involves withdrawing fluid from the pleural space with a long thin needle to relieve pain symptoms for the patient.
  19. 71. What are my options for curative surgery?
  20. Two types of curative surgeries are pneumonectomy and extrapleural pneumonectomy. When a patient has cancer in just one lung and is in Stage I or Stage II, a pneumonectomy (removal of the diseased lung) may be performed. An extrapleural pneumonectomy is the removal of the lung as well as the areas surrounding it.
  21. 72. How does my stage of cancer affect my treatment options?
  22. The stage of cancer gauges how far the cancer has spread in the patient or if it has spread at all. If the cancer is in stage I, II or III, the tumor is generally resectable, meaning that it can be removed by surgery. This doesn't mean that the cancer has been cured, but it greatly increases a patient's chance of a longer survival.
  23. 73. What alternative treatments could I explore to feel better?
  24. There are alternative treatments for mesotheliomaAcupuncture, reflexology, meditation, massage, herbal and nutritional supplements, yoga, TENS therapy, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, naturopathy, chiropractic, Reiki, and nutritional sources are all good alternative therapies that may alleviate many of the symptoms you may be experiencing. For an alternative medication treatment book, please call (888) 888-1136 or complete the form to the right.
  25. 74. What types of alternative treatments can I try to deal with stress during this difficult time in my life?
  26. Some good stress relievers are yoga, acupuncture, reflexology and meditation. Any type of physical exercise helps people deal with stress if they are able.

Living with Mesothelioma

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma affects just about every aspect of yours and your loved ones lives. There are everyday lifestyle changes that you can make to help yourself. You may also have questions about how to talk with your family about your diagnosis. Below are answers to some questions that you may have about living with the everyday challenges of mesothelioma.

  1. 75. How do I deal with a mesothelioma diagnosis psychologically?
  2. Dealing with a diagnosis of terminal cancer is extremely difficult, particularly when considering it was most likely caused from exposure at work or while serving in the military. You should:

    1. Consult with your doctor and ask to be referred to a therapist or counselor who can help you manage the psychological effects associated with your diagnosis.
    2. It is imperative that you seek support from friends and family members during this difficult time in your life.
    3. Seek support from friends and family members during this difficult time in your life.
    4. Enjoy every moment you have and take care of yourself. Improving the quality of your life after your diagnosis is important.
    5. Do not try to survive alone with mesothelioma, contact our lawyers who can also help you recover financially and provide your family members with security as well.
  3. 76. What are my nutrition options once diagnosed with mesothelioma?
  4. It is important to:

    1. Include the proper combination of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids (fats) and proteins in your diet.
    2. Avoid alcohol, tobacco products, "bad" fats such as saturated and Trans fats, processed and prepackaged foods, fast food and buffets (higher chance of picking up bacteria).
    3. Eat cruciferous vegetables because they are very good at strengthening the immune system which is important after a cancer diagnosis because the immune system becomes weakened with many treatments such as chemotherapy.
  5. 77. Is there any advice for my family in dealing with my mesothelioma diagnosis?
  6. It is very difficult for family members to come to terms with a mesothelioma diagnosis because they learn that it is a terminal illness and there is no cure for it. However, it is important for family members to spend quality time with you and enjoy your last moments together to the fullest. When you decide to file a claim against the manufacturers of asbestos, it puts you in a position of power because you have the ability to affect companies' future decisions on how they will deal with asbestos issues. It prevents other people from being exposed to asbestos further down the road. Knowing that your situation somehow helped someone else may ease feelings of despair for your family.
  7. 78. How do I deal with the stress that this diagnosis has caused me?
  8. There are several alternative treatments available to patients that may help alleviate stress such as acupuncture, reflexology, meditation, yoga and massage. Light exercise or walking, spending quality time with friends and family, and doing things that you enjoy all contribute to a higher quality of life.
  9. 79. How do I deal with daily life while fighting cancer?
  10. Dealing with daily life while fighting cancerIt is important to remember that you may need to slow down. You may not be able to do the things you did before you started experiencing symptoms. You will be receiving treatment by your doctor that will occupy much of your time and energy and you need to make sure that you rest and allow the treatments to work for you. This is a time in your life when family and friends are needed to support you mentally and emotionally and help take some of your responsibilities over for you. You must set your priorities and only deal with the tasks that are most important to you.
  11. 80. Are there other mesothelioma victims that I can correspond with for mutual support?
  12. An excellent online source for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma is mesocare.org. This organization has the following resources:

    • diagnosis support
    • spiritual support
    • psychological assistance
    • financial support
  13. 81. How do I come to terms with having a terminal cancer that was caused while fighting for my country?
  14. It can be difficult to see the positive side of something so sad and frustrating, but there are many others who have dealt and are dealing with the same unsettling feelings and emotions as you. Keep in mind that even though your life has been tremendously affected by your illness, your service wasn't performed in vain. You did a great service to your country. The government was not aware of the dangers of asbestos, but the manufacturers were. By filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers of asbestos, you will have a sense of reparation and hold the manufacturers accountable for what they have done.
  15. 82. I have no appetite whatsoever. How do I eat with no appetite?
    • I have no appetite, how can I eat with no appetite with mesothelioma?Eat small, high-protein, high-calorie meals every 1-2 hours. Larger meals may be harder to digest and may further decrease your appetite.
    • Ask for help in preparing meals.
    • Add extra hidden calories and protein to food such as butter, skim milk powder, honey and brown sugar.
    • Drink liquid supplements such as soup, milk, juices, shakes, or smoothies when solid foods present a problem.
    • Eat high protein, high calorie snacks throughout the day.
    • Have food ready at-hand for when hunger strikes.
    • Make breakfast your largest meal of the day.
    • Avoid eating food with strong odors.
    • Try different recipes to accommodate changing likes and dislikes.
  17. 83. Everything tastes different since I have been on chemotherapy. What do I do about that?
  18. To deal with taste changes that typically occur during chemotherapy, you should:

    • Rinse your mouth out with water before eating.
    • Try eating citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit) unless mouth sores are present.
    • Eat small meals and healthy snacks several times a day.
    • Eat small meals when hungry rather than at set mealtimes.
    • Use plastic utensils if foods taste metallic.
    • Try favorite foods.
    • Eat with family and friends.
    • Have others prepare the meal.
    • Try new foods when feeling best.
    • Substitute poultry, fish, eggs, and cheese for red meat.
    • Find non-meat, high-protein recipes in a vegetarian or Chinese cookbook.
    • Use sugar-free lemon drops, gum or mints if there is a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.
    • Add spices and sauces to food.
    • Eat meat with something sweet, such as cranberry sauce, jelly, or applesauce.
  19. 84. How do I deal with the physical pain caused by my diagnosis?
  20. Pleurodesis will eliminate some of the fluid buildup in the pleural space by insertion of talc and will stop more fluid from building up. Pleurocenteis/Paracentesis is an outpatient procedure where fluid is withdrawn from the pleural space to alleviate some pain symptoms. There are also pain medications that your doctor can prescribe or alternative therapies that will alleviate some of your pain.
  21. 85. What do I do to fight fatigue caused by treatment?
  22. It is extremely important to make sure that you are getting enough rest. It is recommended that you take short naps throughout the day in addition to sleeping adequately at night. Delegate projects to others and don't overwhelm yourself with activities that will zap your energy. If you are physically able, taking short walks will also combat fatigue because it benefits your circulation.
  23. 86. What can I do to make myself feel better physically?
  24. There are a number of medications that can be administered by your healthcare professional and several alternative treatments available to help patients have a sound mind and body. Also, allowing yourself more time to relax, rest and be with friends and family will have a significant affect on how you feel physically.
  25. 87. How important is exercise to my treatment?
  26. It is very important to exercise moderately if you have mesotheliomaIt is important to remember that a mesothelioma patient may be working with reduced lung function, so an exercise program is important to treatment, but it should be done in moderation and a physician should be consulted first. There have been some studies that have suggested that exercise may improve the survival rate for patients by boosting the immune system. Exercise also improves muscle strength, reduces fatigue, and helps to alleviate anxiety and depression.
  27. 88. What do I tell my family about my diagnosis?
  28. The first step in explaining your diagnosis to family members is to let them know what mesothelioma is and how it has and will affect you personally. It is essential that you let them know that you will be needing their support during these very difficult times and explain to them that mesothelioma is not curable, but there are treatments that will help you feel more comfortable while surviving your cancer.
  29. 89. How does my family deal with their feelings of anger about my diagnosis?
  30. Your family needs to understand that even though your situation is so very difficult and unsettling, by filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers of asbestos, you will be holding the negligent companies accountable for their actions. This, in turn, can help and protect others in the future. Cases like yours may bring enough light to the subject to cause a national change to occur. Not only are asbestos products going to be scrutinized, but all dangerous products will be looked at more closely before harming the public.
  31. 90. Are there any habits I should avoid or stop now that I have been diagnosed with cancer?
  32. It is recommended to avoid: alcohol in excessive amounts, tobacco products, "bad" fats such as saturated and Trans fats, processed and prepackaged foods, fast food, and buffets as there is a higher chance of picking up bacteria there.

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