For over 20 years, our caring team has helped mesothelioma patients and their loved ones, providing free mesothelioma resources about top treatments, specialists, financial assistance, and more.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs or abdomen decades after asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the disease (lungs or abdomen), but often include general fatigue, difficulty breathing, and fluid retention in the chest or stomach.
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen and is the second most common type of mesothelioma. It also has a better prognosis due to it often being discovered early.
The most common mesothelioma treatments use a multimodal approach combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatments for mesothelioma can help patients manage their symptoms and increase their chances of long-term survival. Learn About Top Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Surgery
Specialists often perform surgery for mesothelioma to remove malignant tumors and stop the spread of cancerous cells throughout the body. Surgical procedures can also be used to reduce pain and discomfort in patients with advanced mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy is commonly used as a way to extend a patient's life when surgery is not an option. Mesothelioma chemotherapy delivers anti-cancer drugs through the bloodstream to kill cancer cells in your body, slowing the spread of the disease.
Radiation therapy for mesothelioma is a less invasive procedure than surgery. This targeted form of treatment uses high-energy waves to kill or damage cancer cells, often causing mesothelioma tumors to weaken or shrink in size.
Since this disease is so rare and complex, your first — and best — line of defense is getting a treatment plan designed by a top doctor at a cancer center specializing in mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Doctors
Mesothelioma specialists provide up-to-date treatment options and have the most experience in treating this aggressive disease.
Top specialists will examine your specific diagnosis and overall health to provide you with a mesothelioma prognosis. A prognosis is simply a roadmap of what you can expect, including your likely life expectancy as well as available treatment options.
Remember that a prognosis is a projection based on past experiences. Whether your prognosis is good or poor, every mesothelioma patient’s circumstances are unique, and you still have options.
Survival Rates
With the help of new surgeries and treatments, mesothelioma survival rates have improved over the past 20 years. Getting an accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment is crucial to increasing your survival time.
While it is rare, some patients have effectively reached states of remission from mesothelioma, meaning that the cancer is no longer observable. Nearly all patients who are in remission received treatment from mesothelioma specialists.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, getting a second opinion is important, especially if you were not diagnosed by a specialist. A second opinion may result in a more accurate diagnosis or better treatment plan.
Throughout the 20th century, United States military veterans were exposed to asbestos at the highest levels of any single group of people. Veterans account for more mesothelioma diagnoses than any other occupation, and as a result, they may be eligible for VA benefits. There’s also a network of VA hospitals with some of the best mesothelioma specialists in the country.
Veterans Asbestos Exposure Risk
U.S. veterans from every branch of the military — including the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine Corps — are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos was used to build ships, planes, vehicles, warehouses, army barracks, and many other military assets for over 60 years. Materials containing asbestos were used on every U.S. Navy ship constructed from 1930-1970.
Veterans who developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure while serving this country have access to compensation, including VA disability benefits (often totaling over $3,000 per month).
In addition to applying for VA benefits, veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can also file legal claims against asbestos product manufacturers (not the military), which can help provide stability for their loved ones.
Mesothelioma Hope offers several free mesothelioma resources for patients and their families. This includes our complimentary guide and medical materials, support group resources, help finding doctors and cancer centers, VA benefits filing assistance, and free legal consultations with experienced law firms owned by veterans.
Regardless of where you are in your mesothelioma journey, there are many options for you and your family to get the help you deserve.
Medical and Financial Resources
As mesothelioma has developed into a nationally recognized crisis, more insurance companies are including mesothelioma treatment and therapy in their policies. Insurance is just one financial resource that can help ease the financial burden on you and your family.
Manufacturing companies hid the truth about asbestos for decades. The government mandated that these companies set up trust funds for victims of mesothelioma. With legal guidance, you can access these funds and reduce your financial strain.
Support groups allow mesothelioma victims and their families to navigate the emotional turmoil that a diagnosis brings. You will gain valuable insight and work alongside others who have been in your shoes. Your loved ones will also learn important coping skills throughout their journey.
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive support from the government. They wanted to defend our country and its rights but were exposed to asbestos in the process. Veterans can apply for compensation and treatments through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Mesothelioma Hope is passionate about helping patients and families affected by this aggressive cancer. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and isolating, but we’re here for you at every step. Hope is only a phone call away.
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