Answers to Questions About the Cancer Mesothelioma.
Answers to Questions About the Cancer Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma (meez-o-thel-e-o-ma) is a cancer. The malignant tumor grows on the mesothelium, which is a thin membrane that surrounds cavities in the body.
When the tumor starts in the chest, it is called Pleural Mesothelioma. (The pleura is a membrane that surrounds the lungs.) When it starts in the abdominal region, it is called Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Both types are sometimes called Malignant Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Often this exposure took place years before the disease becomes apparent. It is a slow-growing form of cancer and relatively rare. Only about 2700 cases of mesothelioma occur in the United States every year.
Mesothelioma TreatmentCancer is most often treated by one or more of the following methods: surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Mesothelioma is also treated these ways. Each patient is different, of course, and many factors including stage of the disease, age and personal preferences affect treatment choice. Contact us at 1-877-367-6376 to discuss your options and their pros and cons.
There are cancer hospitals all over the country and you can probably find an oncologist (cancer specialist) near you. Because mesothelioma is so rare, many doctors have little or no experience with it. Because of this, you may wish to go for treatment at a more specialized cancer center. You might want to consult with a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma. Call us at 1-877-367-6376 and we can help find a specialist or treatment center for you.
If you are wondering if your insurance will pay for treatment at a major cancer, check with the facility of your choice prior to setting an appointment.
Mesothelioma SymptomsThe symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those for many other diseases. This is one reason it is so difficult for doctors to establish that a person has mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma can be confused with pneumonia, bronchitis, or even heart problems. Peritoneal mesothelioma is often mistaken for a hernia or gallstones.
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include pleural effusion (fluid in the chest), shortness of breath, and night sweats. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include ascites (fluid in the abdomen), abdominal pain, and digestive disorders. One thing that sets mesothelioma apart is a history of exposure to asbestos. Even brief or seemingly incidental exposure may be enough to cause mesothelioma.
Doctors may order X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and fluid biopsies in an attempt to narrow down the range of diseases you might have. If you have mesothelioma, these tests can help the physician rule out other illnesses. The only way to definitively establish a diagnosis of mesothelioma is through a biopsy. The doctor takes a tissue sample from the body and examines it under a microscope.
Questions to Ask Your DoctorPeople with a diagnosis of mesothelioma often have many questions. Medical care providers (doctors, physicians assistants, nurses) know a lot about both cancer and your specific situation. You will want to go over your pathology report with a professional and talk about next steps.
Questions you may wish to ask:
You can always ask for a second opinion. No legitimate professional will object to a second opinion and your physician may even be able to recommend another doctor.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease and most doctors have little or no experience with it. You may wish to find a specialist. We can help you with this. Call us at 1-877-367-6376 and we can help find a specialist near you.
When choosing your doctor, consider the following questions:
For more than a decade, our coordinators have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients and their families in researching their medical options. We maintain contacts with doctors, treatment centers, and groups interested in occupational and veterans' health. For veterans who qualify to be treated through the VA system, we also maintain lists of VA Medical Centers/Clinics as well as County Veteran Service Officers who can provide assistance.
Because mesothelioma is attributed to asbestos exposure, settlements from asbestos companies are often available for patients and their families. Trust funds have compensation available for mesothelioma patients and their families; contact us for more information.
Call us at 1-877-367-6376 to speak to one our coordinators.
