Massachusetts Mesothelioma Lawyer
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is a grim diagnosis for the victim. Mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer which is rarely diagnosed until it has reached its final stages, wherein it has already spread to other parts of the body, severely lowering the mortality and survival rate of the victim. As of now, treatment options for mesothelioma is very limited, and even with the use of the most advanced treatment options, the victim is still in grave danger.
Massachusetts Mesothelioma Lawyer
But, due to the rise of this disease, scientists and medical experts have performed countless research in order to find a way to stop this dreaded illness. These experts have promised to do their best in order to finally find a good treatment solution for this illness, halting its spread and bringing back the good health of the patient. However, as of now, a clear solution has not been presented.
Researching New Treatment Methods
As victims of this dreaded disease spend more and more money on fighting this disease, new treatments are being introduced in order to halt and reverse the damage done by the disease. Recent research have allowed scientists and medical experts to know more about the disease, developing new and better treatment methods for this disease. Through proper funding and research, new and more effective treatment methods will be introduced.
As new treatment methods are introduced, clinical trials are done in order to test its effectiveness. If these clinical trials are a complete success, it will be given to the Food and Drug Administration of the United States for approval. Once approved, the new treatment will be made available to the general public.
What’s New in Research?
Chemotherapy – For different types of cancers, chemotherapy has always been the first method of treatment, including mesothelioma. This helps relieve the symptoms of the disease, as well as making the patient comfortable, even for a short period of time. Currently, chemotherapy works well against mesothelioma. And combined with other medications, such as Alimta and Cisplatin, it can combat malignant pleural mesothelioma, greatly relieving the patient of pain from the disease.
One more drug that is currently waiting for approval on FDA is Onconase, which is a medication that targets cancerous cells while keeping the healthy cells intact.
Anti-Angiogenesis drugs – These drugs, as the name implies, halts angiogenesis, which is the process of creating new blood vessels. While this is somewhat of a benefit, it can also help in developing tumors, which is, clearly, not a benefit for mesothelioma patients. One such example is Avastin, which lowers the number of proteins that incites angiogenesis, preventing the growth of new cells and blood vessels.
Volunteering Yourself To Be A Part Of Clinical Trials
Oncologists, or doctors that specialize on cancer, will be made known to clinical trials that attempt to seek new treatment methods for patients suffering from mesothelioma.
If you believe that you are a candidate for these clinical trials, it is best that you know about the 4 types of clinical trials:
- Treatment trials – This trial focuses on treating the underlying cause of mesothelioma.
- Screening trials – This trial focuses on finding new ways to detect mesothelioma on its early stages.
- Prevention trials – This trial focuses on finding ways on how to prevent contracting mesothelioma.
- Supportive care trials – This trial focuses not on treating or preventing the disease, but to provide comfort and the quality of life of mesothelioma patients. Doing this may indirectly cause the treatment of the disease.
Before you are subject to a clinical trial, the doctor will subject you on tests in order to determine if you are a good candidate. However, be sure to ask your doctor about the clinical trials that will be done to you first.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs, known as the mesothelium. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of microscopic fibers.
Asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, automotive industries, and various other applications due to its fire-resistant and durable properties. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, tiny asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled or ingested.
There are several types of mesothelioma, with the most common being pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the abdomen), pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the lining around the heart), and testicular mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the testicles).
It’s important to note that symptoms of mesothelioma often do not appear until several decades after asbestos exposure has occurred. Common symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, weight loss, and abdominal swelling, depending on the type of mesothelioma.
Diagnosing mesothelioma usually involves a combination of medical history review, imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs), and often a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. Treatment options for mesothelioma may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, but the prognosis is generally poor, especially in advanced stages.
Prevention involves minimizing exposure to asbestos. This includes following safety regulations in workplaces where asbestos is present, using proper protective equipment, and being aware of potential asbestos-containing materials in older buildings. If you suspect asbestos exposure, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for monitoring and early detection of any potential health issues.
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