Catherine A. Murphy
Many questions must be answered before visiting a Mesothelioma Oncologist. Those diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer will rely on their oncologist more than any other doctor. The Mesothelioma Oncologist will coordinate a patient’s care and treatment during all stages of the cancer.Here are some very important questions that you should know before visiting a Mesothelioma oncologist:
Mesothelioma cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was once considered harmless, and it was used because it was light, tough, and fire resistant. This substance occurred naturally and was used in many products and materials commercially.
It does not take much exposure to asbestos for someone to develop Mesothelioma cancer. Sometimes, someone that worked around asbestos for as little as a month will be diagnosed with the cancer after a period of 20 to 50 years.
The symptoms consist of shortness of breath, a consistent dry cough, fatigue, fever, loss of weight and discomfort in the area of the cancer.
Depending on the stage of the disease and the patient’s condition, treatment consists of surgery, chemical therapy, radiation treatment or a mixture of these.
Mesothelioma scientist and oncologist are testing many cures; however, currently there is no cure.
Ten percent of those diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer have a prognosis of five years. Reports from Mesothelioma doctors show that the average prognosis for Mesothelioma cancer patients is four months to one year and a half. Because of the rareness of Mesothelioma cancer, it is difficult to produce exact numbers on prognosis. However, the prognoses for Mesothelioma cancer victims are better when it is found in its early stages.
There are many good sources of information on Mesothelioma cancer;if you have more questions consult your doctor, counselor, and this site to help finding information.