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The earlier mesothelioma is detected, the more treatment options are available. Additionally, the disease is more likely to respond to treatment when a patient has been diagnosed with stage 1 or stage 2 mesothelioma. Therefore, diagnosing mesothelioma in its incipient phases is essential, as it can greatly improve your prognosis and even lead to the remission of cancer if you undergo immediate treatment.
When mesothelioma is diagnosed in its initial stages, the prognosis of the disease improves significantly because a wider range of treatment options is available. A multimodal treatment approach consisting of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical intervention (Laparotomy, Laparoscopy, Segmentectomy) entails considerably fewer risks when mesothelioma is discovered in the early phases. However, the disease is often overlooked or mistaken for a less serious respiratory condition, as the patient does not typically experience clear symptoms when mesothelioma has just started to develop on their lungs.
As mesothelioma advances, the number of symptoms, as well as their intensity, increases. When the patient notices debilitating signs such as severe chest pain or extreme fatigue which prevent them from performing daily activities, mesothelioma has probably reached the third or fourth stage and the treatment options they can safely undergo are unfortunately very few and typically inefficient. This is why seeking specialized medical attention as soon as you notice any symptoms is essential and might really save your life.
Nevertheless, due to the rare nature of mesothelioma, not all oncologists can properly guide you towards the most effective diagnostic procedures and treatment approaches. We strongly encourage you to opt for a medical professional who is specialized in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma, as they will be able to promptly provide you with the help you need. Mesothelioma progresses very quickly and you cannot afford to waste precious time. Thus, consulting with a doctor specializing in mesothelioma when one or more of the following symptoms occur can prove to be crucial if the disease is indeed present:
Repeated or prolonged exposure to asbestos represents a very serious risk factor for mesothelioma. In fact, asbestos exposure is the only known risk factor for mesothelioma and it has been repeatedly demonstrated that these toxic minerals are responsible for up to 80% of all diagnosed cases. Thereby, if you have been in contact with asbestos at any point in your life, it is highly recommended to seek specialized help even though you are not currently experiencing any distressing symptoms. Mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos generally has a long latency period. Consequently, cancer can develop several decades after first exposure and, consider that mesothelioma does not give off perceivable symptoms, in the beginning, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
We wanted a resource where people who are looking for better help can find it, because one of the issues that I have found is that the diagnosis takes a little bit, some people don’t know if they are diagnosed or not. This is something that it is important enough, that is why I wanted to put the information together.