Weitz & Luxenberg explains treatment options for asbestos cancer
What treatment options are available for cancers caused by asbestos?
The treatment options for asbestos cancer include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, with combinations of the three and advances within each type of asbestos cancer treatment making your options greater.
Although there are a number of cancers that could be linked to asbestos exposure such as breast cancer, lymphoma, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer, none of these are specifically caused by asbestos exposure. Moreover, these cancers, especially when discovered in their infancy, can be treated effectively. Some studies have found asbestos fibers embedded in the lungs of breast cancer patients, but whether or not there is a link between the two is a subject of ongoing debate. Only mesothelioma has been irrefutably linked to asbestos exposure and though rare, it is perhaps the deadliest cancer known to man.
Weitz & Luxenberg has been offering legal assistance for clients with asbestos related diseases for twenty years. Please bear in mind that we are not a medical institution, but we are more than willing to assist you in legal matters.
How are mesothelioma and the other asbestos cancers treated?
Chemotherapy: This is perhaps the most common type of treatment employed by medical professionals for cancer patients. Chemotherapy involves the use of special drugs that deter the growth cancer cells. Sometimes, combination chemotherapy, “which involves more than one anti-cancer drug,” (NCI) can be used.
Radiation: This ranks as the second most common type of cancer treatment. It involves “the use of high energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to killer cancer cells and shrink tumors.” (NCI)
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a type of radiation therapy that can potentially “extend your lifespan by 3-4 months,” (NCI) or more.
Surgery:“Surgery can be used to diagnose, treat, or even help prevent cancer in some cases. Most people with cancer will have some type of surgery. It often offers the greatest chance for cure, especially if the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.” (American Cancer Society) Unfortunately, mesothelioma cannot be cured by surgery, because by the time its symptoms arise, the cancer has likely metastasized.
With mesothelioma, there is an accumulation of fluid in the pleura, the chest lining. Surgery can be done to drain the fluid that has accumulated in the chest. (NCI) This procedure is often reserved for “severe pleural effusion” (NCI) and can ease some of the painful symptoms of mesothelioma, but offers no cure for the disease itself.
Pleurectomy and decortication: Pleurectomy involves the “removal of part of your pleura” (NCI) and decortication is the “removal of all of part of the external surface of an organ.” (NCI)
Clinical Trial:You may consider taking part in a clinical trial which can help medical professionals develop new and hopefully effective methods of “screening, preventing, diagnosing and treating your biphasic mesothelioma.” (NCI)
Diagnosed with an asbestos related cancer? Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
Weitz & Luxenberg understands how widespread the asbestos problem is and the havoc it had caused countless people. It is unfortunate that even though the dangers of asbestos have been known in the United States since at least the Industrial Revolution, it continued to be used unabated in multiple industries. Such carelessness should not go unpunished.
Our firm has a team of skilled attorneys with a wealth of knowledge concerning asbestos-related ailments. To get started, simply fill out the form on this page. A representative from our firm will
get in touch with shortly you for your free legal consultation. There is no cost unless we secure a verdict or settlement for you.
Acknowledgements:
National Cancer Institute (NCI):
American Cancer Society:
www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/TreatmentTypes/Surgery/index
Cancer From Asbestos | Weitz & Luxenberg