Mesothelioma Prognosis & Treatments

Mesothelioma Lawyers: Prognosis, Treatments

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, the thin tissue that covers our lungs, heart, and other internal organs. Nearly all cases of this fatal disease are caused by exposure to asbestos.

People with mesothelioma typically survive 12 to 18 months from the time of diagnosis. Treatments may extend the life of mesothelioma patients, but there is no cure.

Treatment Options

Following are the most common treatment options for pleural mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lung:

• Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) The most aggressive type of mesothelioma surgery, EPP involves the removal of the lung along with its coverings and the associated coverings of the heart and diaphragm. It is followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
• Pleurectomy/decortication Surgery to remove the lining of the lung and the cancer cells while preserving the lung. The procedure is followed by chemotherapy. This surgery is an option for patients whose limited heart and lung function prevent them from undergoing EPP.
• Chemotherapy/Radiation Patients who are not candidates for any type of surgery may benefit from chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumor.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are also used to treat peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma, and pericardial (heart) mesothelioma. Clinical trials of new therapies may also be an option. To learn more about the most recent treatment options, please consult your own physician or one of these mesothelioma specialists:

David Sugarbaker a nationally renowned mesothelioma expert. Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Chief, Department of Surgical Services/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA

Rodney Landrenau, M.D., a thoracic surgeon and director of the comprehensive lung center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Robert J. Keenan, M.D.,, Director of Thoracic Surgery at Allegheny General Hospital

James D. Luketich, M.D., Chief of Thoracic Surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical

Effective Legal Help

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have a legal right to pursue financial compensation for the full amount of damages and losses you have suffered. At Savinis, D'Amico & Kane, our attorneys help recover monetary damages for those afflicted with mesothelioma as well as the family members of those who died a wrongful death due to this asbestos-related cancer. To learn if we can be of assistance to you, please contact us today to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation.

If you are concerned about how past asbestos exposure has affected you, please visit our page on mesothelioma symptoms and contact your doctor.

From our offices in Pittsburgh, we represent clients from throughout Western Pennsylvania and across the nation.