Stage 4 mesothelioma: symptoms, treatments
Pleural mesothelioma, caused by the inhalation of asbestos into the lungs, has four stages with stage 4 being the final and deadliest. At this stage, the malignant mesothelioma tumors have spread beyond their point of origin into the chest walls, the bones and perhaps several organs, including the liver, prostate and lining of the heart. Louisville residents should know that the median life expectancy for those with stage 4 mesothelioma is 12 months.
The symptoms of stage 4 mesothelioma include shortness of breath, pain in the chest and abdomen, chronic fatigue and difficulty swallowing. Patients may experience severe weight loss, muscle atrophy and anemia. They may also cough up blood or build up fluids in the chest and abdomen.
Stage 4 mesothelioma is difficult to treat because patients are usually too weak to withstand aggressive surgeries. Surgeons, while unable to remove all tumors, may remove those that are affecting breathing and causing pain. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are also possible. Many patients receive palliative care and sometimes defy the odds, living for several years longer than doctors projected.
There is no official stage 4 for peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the protective lining of the abdomen and composes roughly 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Once the tumors have spread from the lining, though, treatment becomes just as difficult as with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma.
Many develop mesothelioma through the use of products containing asbestos and through exposure to asbestos in old buildings. Workers with the condition may file for workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses as well as a percentage of lost wages. If someone’s negligence was to blame for their exposure, victims may instead file a personal injury claim. This is where having a lawyer to consult with might be beneficial. Victims may let their lawyer handle all negotiations.
Why You Should Hire Satterley & Kelley, PLLC for Your Asbestos Case
If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma or a family member died because of it, you may be entitled to compensation for what you’ve endured.
You need a law firm with experience representing victims taking legal action against the asbestos industry. Satterley & Kelley lawyers have helped mesothelioma victims for more than 20 years.
We have relationships with the best experts in the world to assist us in proving not only what caused your injury but the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial harm you suffered.
Our attorneys will give your case the full investigation it deserves. We never assume your case will settle, so we don’t take shortcuts. Every mesothelioma case is unique. Satterley & Kelley will carefully analyze the facts of your case and decide on and execute an effective strategy that can provide you with the most compensation possible.
Your Local Mesothelioma Law Firm
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you should understand your rights to compensation and how exercise them.
Experienced Satterley & Kelley’s, PLLC, asbestos injury lawyers can discuss your situation and help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Schedule a free initial consultation at our Louisville office by calling us toll-free at 855-385-9532 or completing our online contact form today.