If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are probably experiencing a range of emotions, from shock and disbelief to fear, sadness, and anger. Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and incurable form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. While there is currently no cure for the disease, there are treatment options available that can help address symptoms and prolong your life. These treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Your priority should be to discuss your treatment options with your physician and begin treatment as soon as possible. It is also highly recommended that you contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who will determine the type of mesothelioma claim that will have the best possible outcome for you and your family. Depending on the details of your case and the nature of your asbestos exposure, your lawyer may recommend the following types of claims:
- Personal injury lawsuit: Often, when a patient files a mesothelioma lawsuit, it is like any other personal injury lawsuit where a jury may award monetary damages for losses you and your family have suffered due to your disease. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you have experienced from the diagnosis, the treatment, and the effect it has had on your quality of life.
- Trust fund claim: Many asbestos companies have established trust funds to compensate people who developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases due to asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma trust fund claim can help you recover significant compensation.
What Do I Need to Know About a Mesothelioma Prognosis?
The majority of patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma live for one to two years with treatment. However, every patient is unique, and some patients live much longer with the disease. Ultimately, the prognosis depends on a range of factors, including the patient’s overall health, the stage of the disease, the type of mesothelioma the patient has been diagnosed with, and the recommended treatment protocol. Ongoing cancer treatments can slow the progression of the disease and extend patients’ lives.
What Factors Affect a Mesothelioma Prognosis?
Several factors will impact a mesothelioma prognosis, including the following:
- Cancer stage: Like other types of cancer, stage 4 mesothelioma has a much worse prognosis than stage 1. In addition, treatment options may affect your survival.
- Patient health and demographics: Younger patients are more likely to be eligible for more aggressive treatment options. Women diagnosed with mesothelioma tend to live longer than men.
- Tumor cell type: Certain types of mesothelioma cells are more resistant to treatment, which can negatively impact a patient’s prognosis. There are three types of mesothelioma cells, including epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. According to a 2020 Oncology Reports study, epithelial cells respond better to treatment and are associated with improved prognosis.
- Tumor location and size: A patient’s prognosis can vary based on the location and size of the tumor. Testicular mesothelioma patients have a longer survival than peritoneal patients, who have a longer survival rate than patients with pleural mesothelioma.
How Can I Improve My Quality of Life?
Once you have gotten past the initial shock of the diagnosis, there are proactive steps you can take to improve your quality of life. While certain things are out of your control, like your age and the cancer stage, you can control other aspects going forward, including the following:
- Find a mesothelioma specialist. You must find a medical specialist to work closely with you and recommend the most effective treatment options.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. If you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and get regular low-impact exercise, you are more likely to tolerate the side effects of treatment and improve the symptoms.
- Join a support group. This can help reduce the anxiety, stress, and depression that you may be experiencing after your initial diagnosis. Engaging with people going through a similar ordeal can help you feel supported and not alone.
- Seek a clinical trial. If you qualify for a clinical trial, you may be able to improve your prognosis through an experimental medication.
Our Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Will Help You After a Diagnosis
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, do not hesitate to contact our Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law. We understand how devastating a diagnosis like this can be, and we will work tirelessly to determine who is liable for your illness. To schedule a confidential consultation, call 877-743-4652 or contact us online. Our offices are in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.