Mesothelioma is not just one disease, but a small group of potentially aggressive and malignant cancers, which attack the lining around the organs of the body. Because these cancers are so destructive, and take such a long time to develop, many treatment choices may not be available to all patients.
What is Mesothelioma?
When people say “I was diagnosed with mesothelioma” they are typically referring to the most common form of this small group of cancers, formally named pleural mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma occurs in the chest and lung area, forming in the mesothelium (lining) of the organs.
From the time of exposure, pleural mesothelioma may not develop for many years, anywhere from 20 to 50 years later. Because of this lengthy gap between exposure and diagnosis, many patients suffering from the disease have limited treatment options.
Cause of Mesothelioma
For decades, the U.S. used a natural, fiber-like mineral called asbestos in the production of numerous items such as flooring, plumbing, home and business insulation, vehicle parts, and even children’s toys. This mineral was plentiful, found in 20 states (17 of which chose to mine the substance) and it was relatively cheap. It was also extremely durable and versatile, making it one of the most sought after commodities in the manufacturing community of the time.
However, it wasn’t long before medical professionals and scientists began to see the devastating effects of this carcinogenic material. Workers who were exposed to asbestos through everyday activities – such as miners, construction workers, and shipyard builders – were routinely subjected to the mineral through repeated use. Once the fibers were inhaled or ingested, they lay dormant for up to half a century, leading to disastrous results.
Progress of Mesothelioma
Once mesothelioma develops, the disease progresses in a somewhat predictable set of stages. These stages are diagnosed using three different systems: TNM, Butchart, and Brigham. Of the three, TNM is used most frequently, and is more widely accepted. The TNM system is named for the three factors used to determine the stage of the disease: T for tumor, N for nodes, and M for metastasized. There is also a numerical classification: 0 for no tumor, 1a or 1b for involvement in certain pleura, 2 for pleura and muscle invasion, 3 for local expansion but surgery is still a possibility, and 4 for locally advanced and surgery is not a possibility.
Node classification is merely X through 3, with the number increasing as the severity increases. Finally, the classification for metastasized is either 0 for not metastasized, or 1 for metastasized. These results are then combined, and the physician compares them to a chart, allowing the classification of the stage from mild to severe, as Stage I, II, III, or IV (with IV being worst).
Mesothelioma Treatment
Because there is no cure for mesothelioma, many patients may feel intimidated by the idea of ‘treatment’. However, with advances in medicine, there are more options than any other time in the past. With mesothelioma, the key is early diagnosis. The sooner the disease is found, the more treatment options available to the patient. For those who are diagnosed with Stage I or II mesothelioma, the most effective treatment is referred to as multi-modal therapy.
This form of treatment therapy may include several ‘modes’ including more traditional types (such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) and newer, non-traditional types (such as photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy). For mesothelioma patients in later stages of the disease, options include effective pain management and extending life.
Life Expectancy
Many newly-diagnosed mesothelioma patients have concerns about their potential life expectancy. Defined as the probable number of months or years remaining in life, a physician’s determination of your life expectancy is a carefully considered issue. Many physicians will assess things such as age, gender, patient’s overall health, treatments available to the patient, and lifestyle risk factors such as drug or alcohol use, or cigarette smoking.
These factors are all weighed by an experienced medical professional, who will determine the best course of action and advise you accordingly. Although predictions can vary greatly, it has been determined that after diagnosis, many mesothelioma patients range from four to 18 months of life expectancy.
Mesothelioma Professionals
The mesothelioma law firm at Danziger & De Llano knows how important it is to have all the necessary information to weigh your options. While you spend your precious time and energy with loved ones, and concentrate your efforts on healing, we will handle all of the complex, detailed requirements that come with a legal action of this significance.
As consummate professionals, we know what a mesothelioma litigation case entails, and we will cover every aspect of your legal case, from providing necessary medical treatment to helping you weigh your options for settlement or litigation. Contact our office immediately, for a free evaluation of your legal case.
