What are Your Mesothelioma Treatment Options in New Orleans?
If you live in New Orleans and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your medical team will offer some options for treatment. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and since it is a serious medical condition, you will want to carefully review all your mesothelioma treatment options in New Orleans to choose the right one for you.
When you’re first diagnosed, your medical team will discuss the New Orleans mesothelioma treatment appropriate for you. Doctors and others involved in your care will make recommendations for treatment based on a number of factors, including your prognosis, the stage of cancer, the location of tumors, your overall health and other factors.
You do not want cost to be a factor in your treatment. If you have been diagnosed with this form of cancer, speak to a mesothelioma lawyer in New Orleans by contacting Irpino, Avin & Hawkins Law Firm. We can help you determine your rights to a claim, which can help you seek compensation for medical costs and other expenses related to the mesothelioma.
Your Treatment Options
Mesothelioma does not currently have a cure, even though research continues. However, mesothelioma patients have multiple treatment options, including:
- Surgery. Where possible, tumors are removed from the affected areas and from the lining. Sometimes, parts of an organ or even an entire organ are removed as part of the surgical process. Surgery is generally intended to prevent the spread of mesothelioma and prolong life. You may be referred to a thoracic surgeon or surgical oncologist for this type of procedure. To be considered for surgery, you must be well enough to be able to handle the procedure and the recovery.
- Radiation. Mesothelioma spreads to nerves, blood vessels and other areas and is rarely confined to a single tumor. As a result, even if you have surgery, your medical team may also suggest radiation, which involves targeted affected areas with high-powered rays. You may be referred to a radiation oncologist for radiation therapy. Depending on your situation, you may have radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy. You may be referred to a medical oncologist for chemotherapy treatment, which involves administering medications designed to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. These medications are administered intravenously or sometimes in pill form. Chemotherapy comes with some serious side effects and is usually only an option for someone well enough to handle the symptoms.
- Clinical trials. Clinical trials allow you access to treatment still in its research and development phase. Some explorative therapies for treatment include immunotherapy, which strengthens the immune system so the body can fight cancer, and gene therapy. Some researchers have also been exploring the use of light energy to treat cancer. Taking part in trials allows the medical community to learn more about mesothelioma so they can help other patients. Clinical trials are not for everyone and there are risks, so review the drawbacks and benefits with your medical team.
- Alternative and complementary methods. There are many non-traditional healing methods for helping patients with cancer. Some involve the use of alternative therapies, specific diets or other solutions. If you are considering any non-traditional healing options to manage symptoms or treat mesothelioma, it is crucial to speak to your medical team first. Some non-traditional methods are not tested and may even be dangerous.
- Therapy and counseling. While not intended to treat mesothelioma, taking care of your mental state is important. Mesothelioma and its treatment can be a very stressful time, and speaking to a support group or a trained counselor can help.
- Palliative care. This type of care is intended to treat the symptoms and manage pain, helping improve quality of life for patients.
In many cases, patients will choose more than one type of treatment and may change their choices as new information about their condition is available. To ensure your treatment continues to be the right match, attend all required medical appointments and keep open communication with your medical team.
Paying for Mesothelioma Therapies
Treatment therapy costs for mesothelioma can add up to tens of thousands of dollars or even more. You don’t want to be unable to access proper treatment because of the steep price. For this reason, you will want to contact a mesothelioma attorney who can help you explore legal options for securing compensation so you can pay for your treatment. If your mesothelioma was caused by negligence on the part of past employers or companies, you may have a claim.
If you would like to speak to a New Orleans mesothelioma lawyer contact Irpino, Avin & Hawkins Law Firm. As an independent law firm, we have no alignments with corporate entities, meaning our entire focus is the best interests of our clients.
Our team is experienced, with many of our attorneys serving on steering committees of class action lawsuits. Our entire legal team is committed to staying with clients every step of the way and remaining responsive and transparent while offering each client the best of our expertise. Contact Irpino, Avin & Hawkins Law Firm online or by calling 800-7500-LAW or 504-525-1500 for a free consultation.