Mesothelioma Pain & Pain Management
Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that can attack the protective lining of the lungs, heart, and/or abdominal wall. Undoubtedly, mesothelioma is an excruciatingly painful disease that, without treatment, can progress quickly in the body. Symptoms typically do not appear for roughly ten to fifty years after being exposed to asbestos, with many individuals diagnosed who weren’t even aware of their exposure.
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma as a result, we want to help. At Stern Law, PLLC, our seasoned asbestos exposure attorneys care about you and your case, and that is why we fight hard for our clients to receive the maximum amount of compensation possible. You didn’t deserve to get mesothelioma, but you deserve to receive enough money to cover your treatment costs, living expenses, and to safeguard your family’s financial future. Call us today at (844) 808 7529 learn more about your legal rights and options.
The Three Main Types of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Pain, and Palliative Treatments
There are three primary forms of mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma, all of which are further described as follows, including the typical pain management plan for each type of the disease:
- Pleural mesothelioma – pleural mesothelioma is the most common of the three types of the disease and specifically affects the liming, or pleura, of the lungs. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest or lower back pain, a persistent cough, coughing up blood, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, fluid buildup around the lungs, hoarseness, difficulty talking, body aches, and blood clots. To relieve pain, doctors typically drain excess fluid in the lungs and may perform surgery to close up the pleural space, relieving pain and breathing issues. Surgical removal of tumors may also be performed to relieve pain, if possible. Medications may also be prescribed to relieve pain as well as a recommendation that the patient seek counseling to support them emotionally throughout their treatment. Doctors may also prescribe certain medications and supplements to relieve the common symptoms associated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma – peritoneal mesothelioma is a rarer form of cancer, with about 500 new cases diagnosed per year in the United States. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdominal lining, or peritoneum, and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms of this disease include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite and/or weight loss, weakness, fever, anemia, nausea and vomiting. To relieve pain, doctors will drain excess fluid, if applicable, and prescribe pain medication. Doctors may also recommend that a patient seek counseling to support them emotionally throughout their treatment. Doctors may also prescribe certain medications and supplements to relieve the common symptoms associated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
- Pericardial mesothelioma – the least common type of mesothelioma, this disease develops in the lining, or pericardium, of the heart, and accounts for less than 50 cases diagnosed per year in the United States. Unlike pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, it is unclear as to how asbestos fibers reach the pericardium. Often mimicking other diseases, pericardial mesothelioma causes the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart murmurs, fatigue, fluid buildup around the heart, swelling of the extremities, heart arrhythmias, a more prominent jugular vein, and accentuated variance in the pulse during respiration. To relieve pain, doctors may drain excess fluid around the heart, recommend emotional counseling for the patient, and prescribe certain pain relief medications to alleviate the symptoms of radiation and chemotherapy.
Were You Diagnosed with Mesothelioma? Contact Stern Law, PLLC Today
At Stern Law, PLLC, we understand the challenges associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis, and want to help you as much as we can. Our team of seasoned and compassionate asbestos exposure attorneys take the time you need to review your case, determine the sources of your exposure, and develop a plan of action to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Stern Law, PLLC today at (844) 808-7529 to schedule your free consultation with one of our seasoned asbestos exposure attorneys.
