Despite advancements in medical technology and treatment methods, mesothelioma remains a particularly deadly disease. Why is this rare form of cancer often fatal?
Mesothelioma can be difficult to detect.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can often resemble those of other, less serious conditions. For example, pleural mesothelioma symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath. Doctors may mistake these symptoms for pneumonia or other respiratory diseases. This can lead to misdiagnosis, and patients may not receive the right treatment for some time.
The cancer often spreads through the body before patients receive a diagnosis.
One of the primary reasons mesothelioma is so deadly is that it is often diagnosed at a late stage. The cancer can spread quickly through the body. Cancer cells multiply rapidly, and the tumors can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs.
The cancer is often at a later stage by the time patients notice symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal swelling. This makes it more difficult to treat the disease effectively.
Doctors often have limited treatment options.
Researchers have developed new treatments for mesothelioma. However, it can still be challenging for doctors to treat this condition. One reason for this is that mesothelioma can be difficult to remove with surgery. Another reason is that diagnosing cancer at a later stage often limits the effectiveness of treatment options.
Patients tend to be older.
Because it can take decades for patients to see symptoms after asbestos exposure, they are often older when they receive a diagnosis. The average patient is in their 70s when they receive a diagnosis. As a result, they may not be able to tolerate more aggressive treatments. They may also have other age-related health issues that create challenges in their care.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma and their loved ones often need support after doctors identify their condition. It is important to consider all options during this difficult time, including whether a mesothelioma claim could offer financial support.