Living With Mesothelioma Cancer - What You Need To Know
As you may already know, mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of certain organs and it most commonly affects the lining of the lungs, the pleura. This type of cancer is usually linked to asbestos exposure and unfortunately, the irritation caused by small asbestos fibres is what commonly leads to mesothelioma in people.
Generally speaking, older people have a higher risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma simply because this type of cancer takes a long time to develop. It isn’t uncommon for people to first experience symptoms of mesothelioma three or four decades after their asbestos exposure. So, those who came into contact with asbestos before its dangers were known are more at risk.
If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma or you were exposed to asbestos many years ago and you’re interested in learning more about this common asbestos-related disease, keep reading today. Below, we have looked into living with mesothelioma cancer in more detail, covering all of the basics that you need to know.
Is mesothelioma cancer treatable?
Similar to other types of cancer, there are treatments available to help control the symptoms you’re experiencing, improve your quality of life and prolong your life for as long as possible. The best treatment options for your mesothelioma will depend on several different factors, such as the type and stage of the cancer. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Surgery
- Treatment for pleurodesis
After your diagnosis, your doctor will discuss your individual treatment plan with you. It is likely that this treatment plan will also include treatment for the symptoms you’re experiencing too and you may be given analgesics/painkillers to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
What is the outlook like for mesothelioma?
It is impossible to advise on a general outlook for people with mesothelioma because, again, there are lots of different factors that will influence this. However, since many people don’t realise they have mesothelioma cancer and it isn’t often diagnosed early, unfortunately, a small percentage of mesothelioma patients will live for five years or more after diagnosis.
That being said, if you have caught the cancer early or your cancer is slow-growing, then it is possible to live for ten years or more after diagnosis. To get a more accurate outlook for your individual mesothelioma, it is best to speak to a specialist medical professional who can discuss things with you in much more detail.
How will mesothelioma affect the body physically?
Both mesothelioma cancer and the treatment that you receive can cause changes in your body and learning how to cope with these whilst supporting your body as it fights the cancer is incredibly beneficial. Many mesothelioma patients experience things such as:
- Breathlessness
- Persistent coughing
- Extreme tiredness and feeling lethargic
- Aches and pains
It is worthwhile exploring different coping strategies for the physical effects associated with this type of lung cancer and there are lots of different resources and organisations which can assist you in this regard.
Of course, not only is it important to take care of your physical health, but it is undeniably just as essential to look after your mental health too. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re diagnosed with any type of cancer and anything you’re feeling, whether this is shock and disbelief or anger and fear, is completely valid.
If you feel as though you’re able to, it is beneficial to talk about these feelings to a family member or a friend, or even a medical professional. There will always be people around you that you can turn to and lean on during this difficult time.
Reaching out to a mesothelioma lawyer
Hopefully, the information above will be beneficial to you if you, or a loved one, has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. You may also want to consider looking into the mesothelioma law and assessing your legal options regarding making a mesothelioma claim as well. Whilst compensation and any monies awarded in this regard will not begin to make up for the distress associated with lung cancer, it can help to relieve some of the anxieties resulting from the diagnosis and treatment for both you and your close relatives.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you’re interested in finding out more about the compensation you can claim, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Asbestos Compensation today. Our experienced team of mesothelioma lawyers can answer any questions that you may have in this regard and they will gladly discuss your case and entitlements in more detail. With over 30 years of experience with an excellent track record, you can trust that you will be in the best hands with our mesothelioma lawyers.
