Treating Mesothelioma

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, Massachusetts; Chief, Department of Surgical Services/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
• Rodney Landreneau, 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.

Get Effective Legal Help Today

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, Kane, & Gallucci, L.L.C., 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 or call our office in Pittsburgh at 412-567-4931 to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation.