Mesothelioma Medical

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

January 8, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma develops after a person gets exposed to asbestos. However, mesothelioma does not develop immediately. It can take decades for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, once mesothelioma has developed, it progresses fast. Because mesothelioma symptoms mimic those of other illnesses, it is often not detected early. Most times, mesothelioma is diagnosed when it has reached advanced stages. Unfortunately, in the advanced stages, mesothelioma prognosis becomes more unfavorable because of limited treatment options. Early detection is crucial to have a favorable mesothelioma prognosis. So, if you or a loved one has signs and symptoms that might indicate a possible case of mesothelioma, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will use physical examination and tests to check for mesothelioma. Read on for more on how mesothelioma is diagnosed.

The Mesothelioma Diagnosis Process

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that might indicate mesothelioma, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Your family doctor might not be able to test for mesothelioma, but they are a good place to start. Your family doctor can refer you to a specialist.

Seven Myths and Misconceptions About Asbestos and Mesothelioma You Need to Be Aware of in 2024

January 1, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Unlike before, the dangers of asbestos are now widely known. Many people know that this dangerous substance can cause several serious illnesses, including mesothelioma. However, some people may still have the wrong information about asbestos. There are also some prevalent myths about mesothelioma. In this article, we debunk seven myths and misconceptions about asbestos and mesothelioma you need to be aware of in 2024.

Myth #1: Asbestos is Banned in the United States – False

While over sixty countries have implemented a national ban on asbestos, this substance is not banned in the United States of America. However, after the dangers of asbestos became widely known, asbestos use became heavily restricted. Several agencies govern and restrict asbestos use in the United States, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Mesothelioma Breath Test May Lead to Early Diagnosis

November 3, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

For people who have been exposed to asbestos, either directly or through secondary/second-hand exposure, one thing that is constantly on their minds is the possibility of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma develops in the tissue layer that covers most internal organs. There are different types of mesothelioma. They are pleura mesothelioma (the most common), peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and testicular mesothelioma (the least common). According to statistics, there are around 3,000 new mesothelioma cases in the U.S. annually. Unfortunately, often, mesothelioma is diagnosed when it has progressed to late stages. This usually means an unfavorable prognosis, or in other words, a low chance of treatment success. A new mesothelioma breath test may allow mesothelioma patients to get early diagnoses.

Mesothelioma Breath Test Study Reveals Encouraging Results

Recently, Belgian scientists explained the results of their mesothelioma breath test study (MESOBREATH 5). While the study is in the early stages, the results gathered so far show that there is hope. From the start of last year, 121 people with a history of asbestos exposure dating back to at least 30 years ago underwent breath testing. Seven out of the 121 people have already been confirmed to have mesothelioma. Those seven received the same testing as the others as a control. Each of the seven confirmed mesothelioma patients tested positive for the illness two years in a row, indicating that the breath test can detect mesothelioma.

Why is it Important to Get the Best Medical Care After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

October 20, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Getting diagnosed with mesothelioma is one of the worst things in life. A mesothelioma diagnosis can change the patient’s and their family’s life. With a mesothelioma diagnosis comes the uncertainty of what will happen in the future. A mesothelioma diagnosis can also result in financial concerns. While there is still no cure for mesothelioma, there are several treatment options, and the reality is that mesothelioma treatment is not cheap. The cost of mesothelioma treatment can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. However, the most crucial thing a mesothelioma patient can do for themselves and their family is to get the best medical care. There are options that can help cater to mesothelioma treatment costs. If a patient’s mesothelioma can be traced to asbestos exposure and the exposure occurred because of another party’s negligence, the patient may be able to file a compensation claim against the liable party or parties and recover financial compensation.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma

Some of the treatment options for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. Many more treatment options are being tested in clinical trials, and hopefully, a cure will be found one day.

Chemotherapy and Hair Loss: Why it Happens and How to Cope

September 24, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Unfortunately, there is still no cure for mesothelioma. However, the good news is that several mesothelioma treatment options exist. One of the mesothelioma treatments is chemotherapy. This treatment option involves using chemicals to kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing back. However, chemo is not for everyone. When deciding whether chemotherapy is a good option for a mesothelioma patient, doctors consider, among other things, cell type, tumor location, and the patient’s general health.

While chemotherapy is an effective mesothelioma treatment, side effects are common. Some side effects of chemo are minor, whereas others are severe. Sometimes, side effects are temporary, and other times, permanent. One of the common side effects of chemotherapy that can be either temporary or permanent is hair loss. However, most patients experience temporary hair loss. Hair loss can be distressing to a mesothelioma patient, whether temporary or permanent. Hair loss can make a patient feel self-conscious, vulnerable, and exposed. Hair loss can even result in feelings of depression and anger. Below, we discuss how chemotherapy causes hair loss and how to cope with chemo-related hair loss.

How Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?

Common Grief Responses After Losing a Loved One to Mesothelioma and How to Cope

August 26, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

A mesothelioma diagnosis can cause grief in patients, family, and friends. It can be especially difficult for surviving loved ones of those who die of mesothelioma. Losing a loved one to an aggressive cancer can be extremely difficult because someone may have been taken too soon. While mesothelioma can take a long time to develop, once it does, it can progress fast, thus leading to an early death.

After someone loses a loved one to mesothelioma, it can take time to overcome grief. Also, the grieving process may involve various feelings and behaviors. Below, we share some of the common grief responses to losing a loved one to mesothelioma and how to cope.

Common Grief Responses to Losing a Loved One to Mesothelioma

Debunking Some Common Myths About Chemotherapy

June 26, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

There is still no cure for mesothelioma. However, there are several treatment options for this type of cancer. One of the ways to treat mesothelioma is through chemotherapy. Mesothelioma chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals. This form of treatment involves taking drugs that kill cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying. Chemotherapy can be administered alone or in combination with other treatment options, such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Unfortunately, many myths abound about chemotherapy. It is crucial that mesothelioma patients and their families understand the truth about chemotherapy and avoid falling for myths about this form of treatment. At Throneberry Law Group, we have taken it upon ourselves to educate mesothelioma patients and their families about chemotherapy. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths about chemotherapy.

Myth #1: Chemotherapy is an Outdated Treatment

Five Crucial Things to Know About Asbestos and Mesothelioma

June 9, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might be eligible to file a legal claim against the party or parties responsible for the asbestos exposure and recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the company responsible for the asbestos exposure declared bankruptcy, you may be eligible to file an asbestos trust fund claim. When it comes to asbestos and mesothelioma, there are several crucial things you need to know. This article discusses five of the most vital things you need to know about asbestos and mesothelioma.

Asbestos Has Been Used in Many Industries and Products

Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance, asbestos has been used in several industries. For example, it has been used in the construction and shipbuilding industry. Asbestos has been used in automotive and insulation manufacturing. This naturally-occurring mineral can also be found in, among others, the following materials and products:

Things to Be Positive for as a Mesothelioma Patient

June 5, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are likely going through a tough time trying to adjust to your new normal. You are likely struggling to remain positive while undergoing treatment. The battle with mesothelioma can make you feel like you have nothing to be thankful for. While it is understandable for mesothelioma patients to feel like there is no reason to be grateful, the truth is that there are several reasons to be thankful. As a mesothelioma patient, the following are some of the things you may be thankful for.

#1: Your Support System

Having a reliable support system is one of the biggest blessings when undergoing mesothelioma treatment. It is one of the best coping mechanisms. On days when you cannot do your usual tasks, like cleaning or going to the grocery store, your support system will be there for you.

How to Care for Mesothelioma Patients Before and After Surgery

May 17, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

There is still no cure for mesothelioma. Fortunately, there are various treatment options. One of the ways to treat mesothelioma is through surgery. Mesothelioma surgery can be conducted to cure cancer. This is achieved by removing the tumor from the tissue lining the abdomen or lung. This type of surgery is called curative surgery. Surgery can also be conducted to relieve pain and other symptoms caused by the tumor. This type of surgery is called palliative surgery. Most patients qualify for surgeries that relieve pain and symptoms.

If your loved one has mesothelioma and is about to undergo surgery, you may be wondering how to care for them before and after surgery. Below, we share some of the ways you can care for your loved one before and after mesothelioma surgery.

Caring for Your Loved One Before Mesothelioma Surgery