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Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers Discuss the Importance of Early Detection

January 11, 2017

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Mesothelioma is a type of cancer. Like other types of cancers, it begins as a tumor in one area of the body that metastasizes, or grows, reaching other areas of the body. As mesothelioma grows and moves through a patient’s body, it becomes more difficult to treat, and the patient’s life expectancy and treatment options become more and more limited. Because of this, it is critical to a patient’s survival that the cancer is detected at an early stage and that they receive treatment as soon as possible. In order to detect and treat the cancer, it is important to know how it develops through the four stages of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Progresses Through Four Stages

• Stage One. In this stage, the cancer is contained in one area of the body, such as the pleura or the peritoneum. In this stage, it is possible for the cancer to be removed and the patient to be cured. However, mesothelioma is not often caught at this stage because its symptoms can easily be mistaken for another condition, such as pneumonia.
• Stage Two. By stage two, the mesothelioma has spread past its original point and may have reached nearby lymph nodes, but it is still largely contained to one area of the body. In stage two, aggressive treatment is still an option for most patients.
• Stage Three. Stage three of mesothelioma is characterized by the cancer spreading to the lymph nodes and other organs. Although it has not spread to the opposite side of the body by this point, generally stage three mesothelioma is beyond the point of curative treatment. Patients may receive non-surgical treatment or palliative care by this point.
• Stage Four. In its final stage, it spreads to the side of the body opposite from its origin. By this point, it is in the patient’s lymph system and their blood vessels. For stage four patients, palliative care is the only option.

Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Can Represent Your Mesothelioma Claim

If you recognize mesothelioma symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If you are diagnosed with a condition linked to asbestos exposure, contact our team at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler today to schedule your initial consultation in our Philadelphia offices. Complete our online form or call us at 1-215-569-4000 or toll-free at 1-800-369-0899 to make your appointment with us. Our Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers serve clients from Philadelphia County, Chester County, Delaware County, and New Jersey.