Specialists with years of experience researching and treating mesothelioma are the few who accurately diagnose the rare disease. Unfortunately, general practitioners miss the signs of cancer. Many confuse mesothelioma with bronchitis or pneumonia. Even general oncologists don’t always have the experience that’s necessary to identify such a complex disease. So, when one of the 3,000 people diagnosed each year finally receives a mesothelioma diagnosis it can be scary and overwhelming. Here are some helpful steps to take after confirming the diagnosis with a specialist.
Educate Yourself on Mesothelioma
It helps to learn about Mesothelioma. Understanding the disease helps to evaluate options and choose the best course of treatment. Asbestos exposure causes cancer. Symptoms vary depending on the type. Each type of mesothelioma depends on the location in the body where it develops. Prognosis, symptoms and treatment options vary by type. The pleural and peritoneal types of mesothelioma are the most common, while pericardial accounts for just 1% of cases. Testicular mesothelioma does exist, but it is really rare. It accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases.
Establish a Course of Action
Next, decide which course to provide pain relief. There are alternative therapies like diet changes or mediation, but many choose more invasive measures to prolong prognosis. The three most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Recovery from these can take weeks or months, but patients often experience improvement in their quality of life.
Ask for Support
There are challenges after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Everyday tasks can be impossible with one of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma, fatigue. Just getting to doctor visits can be a challenge. This is why it is important to have a great support network to help. If you don’t have help, the American Cancer Society also offers support options for patients.
Get Financial Help
Treatment is especially expensive, and insurance companies also may not cover the cost of everything. If you don’t have medical insurance, treatment can be very difficult. If a doctor diagnosed you or a loved one with Mesothelioma, you may need assistance. It is also important to note that companies could have prevented your asbestos-related cancer. These corporations mined, manufactured and sold asbestos products that put profits over the health of you. Our legal system exists to hold these people accountable.
A Complex Litigation attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is critical when seeking help to cover your asbestos-related expenses. Identifying when and where you were exposed to asbestos is crucial to your lawsuit. Experienced lawyers are familiar with companies that used asbestos and know which job sites had a significant amount of asbestos use. Also, they know which products contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral.
Consultations are completely free, confidential and have no obligation. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Our team of attorneys has been recognized as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Our award-winning staff is also sought after for our knowledge of complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies and trial tactics.