Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a direct cause of inhaled or ingested asbestos that you were exposed to many years ago. Although the United States banned the use of asbestos in 1978, the symptoms of being exposed to the product is often just being seen now – thirty years later. It often takes at least a decade to see the symptoms and sometimes as long as fifty years. While those symptoms are taking place, it is commonly misdiagnosed. As a result, peritoneal mesothelioma treatment options are often very limited.
The peritoneal mesothelioma treatment options are limited because the cancer has already spread throughout the abdominal cavity too widespread to be effectively treated. The symptoms are masked because many believe it to be other medical problems, not a mesothelioma. Symptoms can include anemia, swelling of the abdomen, vomiting as well as a slew of other symptoms. Unless a doctor is specifically told that the patient was exposed to asbestos, it is often not seen as that.
When the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment options are considered, it is based upon how widespread the problem is and what the prognosis is. Most people who have been diagnosed do not live past 6 months. Only about 10% survive past three years and only 5% of those continue to five years.
There is the possibility of cancer surgery, however this is usually only a viable option if the person does not have a very extreme case yet. If cancer is out, there may be chemotherapy or radiation therapy available, but it will depend on other health factors as well. Many of the patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma are seniors with other health factors, therefore they are not good candidates.
A number of clinical trials are available across the globe to help with peritoneal mesothelioma treatment. There have been a few that have been very effective. While there is no cure, many who have been involved increase their odds to surviving exponentially.
Many who have decided to take part in clinical trials have a 40% chance of surviving past two years – which is a considerable jump from the 10% it would have been prior to experiencing the clinical trial.
The dangers of asbestos were known way before the product was banned in 1978. It has come out that many industries had been given reports that the effects were harmful, dating all the way back to the 1930s. Industry leaders ignored the reports and continued using the product – and harming their employees as a result. Only the employees didn’t know they were in danger until after the product was banned – and until they received a diagnosis for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritoneal mesothelioma treatment can be very cost prohibitive, which is why many people have chosen to get legal representation to sue and form class action lawsuits in order to get some sort of monetary compensation.
If this is something that you are interested in finding more about, give us a call so that we can talk to you about your available options.
