Doctors can treat some types of asbestos-related lung cancer with more success than others, but for many patients, this cancer spreads to other areas of the body before presenting symptoms. For this reason, many asbestos lung cancers have poor five-year survival rates, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. If discovered earlier, patients with asbestos lung cancer may experience better outcomes.
Aside from incurable cases, doctors can manage this type of cancer if they catch it in its earliest stages. An early diagnosis can mean the possibility of a much more positive outcome, although this type of early diagnosis remains rare for any type of lung cancer.
The Effectiveness of Asbestos Lung Cancer Treatment Depends on Many Factors
Treatment for asbestos lung cancer greatly depends on the stage of the cancer when discovered, where the cancer has spread, and how it affects the patient’s everyday life. The right treatment may cure a patient in the early stages of lung cancer. In most cases, though, treatment seeks to prolong the patient’s life, manage symptoms, and increase their quality of life for as long as possible.
Treatments for asbestos-related lung cancers may include surgery if caught early enough when your cancer remains in one lung and perhaps nearby lymph nodes. To address a local tumor, the doctor may perform surgery to remove:
- A wedge section of the lung, including the tumor and clear margins
- A lobe of the lung
- The entire affected lung
Even after successful surgeries, doctors often prescribe chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If the nature of the tumor does not allow for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation may constitute first-line treatments. This combined treatment may force the cancer into remission.
If the cancer already spread to distant parts of your body at the time of diagnosis, your doctor will likely discuss palliative care with you. Palliative care focuses on your quality of life and end-of-life care, including pain management to reduce symptoms and emotional support for your family as well.
Most people do not receive a diagnosis until they already face advanced stages of their asbestos lung cancer. As a result, the five-year survival rate for lung cancers rests at merely 14%.
Screenings May Help Diagnose Asbestos Lung Cancer Earlier
Because of the link between asbestos exposure and cancer risk and to identify areas of concern earlier, some doctors now recommend people who have an increased risk for lung cancer undergo regular screenings, such as chest X-rays, low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scans, and pulmonary function tests.
You may want to begin annual screenings if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Smokers or former long-term smokers
- Individuals older than 55 who are otherwise healthy
- Individuals with a history of exposure to asbestos, radon, or other dangerous materials
Early detection of asbestos-related lung cancer followed by aggressive treatment may allow some patients to return to a normal state of life.
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Pursuing Compensation to Pay for Your Asbestos Cancer Treatment and Care
No matter the prognosis of your asbestos lung cancer, you will likely require treatment and medical support. The costs of your care and related expenses can add up quickly. Your family should not have to face this type of financial stress while you also fight asbestos-related cancer.
You may be able to file a claim with one of the asbestos trust funds or file a lawsuit to pursue an award that helps you pay for medical care, out-of-pocket expenses, your pain and suffering, and more. You may want to work with an attorney to help you with your asbestos lung cancer case since they may help you understand the necessary steps and check to see if you qualify.
An Asbestos Cancer Attorney May Be Able to Help
When you hire Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, you will pay nothing out of pocket and nothing upfront. We only take our attorney’s fee after we recover compensation on your behalf. Before we can get started pursuing a settlement based on the facts of your case, we will need to get a better understanding of your eligibility. We can review your case for free today.
Call (800) 217-6099 now for your free consultation. Our team wants to discuss your history of asbestos exposure, your cancer diagnosis, and more to see if we can help you recover financial awards for your losses.
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