Study Tests Dose and Toxicity Levels of Treatments For Mesothelioma Victims
Article by Peter Kent
A study currently being conducted in Boston, Mass., by several physicians is attempting to determine the highest level of medicinal treatments, such as chemotherapy, that can be administered to mesothelioma victims in order to more adequately treat symptoms of the killer lung disease.
Researchers are using two methods of treatment known as intraoperative intracavitary hyperthermic cisplatin perfusion along with amifostine, to assist in preventing cisplatin toxicity, to patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma, which is often deemed the most severe and fatal diagnosis among mesothelioma patients.
So far the study has found that the use of single dose amifostine does “not protect adequately against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity,” meaning that if higher doses of the chemotherapy treatment cisplatin are used, then “additional cytoprotective strategies are needed” to protect a patient from developing toxic levels of medication in addition to their painful mesothelioma side effects.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma lung cancer is a fatal condition that can develop after exposure to asbestos fibers and asbestos dust occurs. It is common for individuals who are employed in the field of construction to be at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma cancer, which often remains dormant for years, eating away at a victims interior until it is too late for successful treatment.
Although those working in the construction industry are at an increasing risk of developing mesothelioma cancer, the risk also stems to their family and friends who become exposed to asbestos after an employee covered in asbestos returns home accidentally exposing family and friends to the fiber.
For those who may be concerned about a mesothelioma diagnosis, they can learn more about the condition by contacting a physician and receiving a physical as well as x-rays to ensure that a proper diagnosis as well as treatment is administered. However, it will still be important for a patient to know and recognize the following mesothelioma signs and symptoms as well. Currently, there are two main types of mesothelioma commonly affecting the lining of the lungs and the internal organs: abdominal and lung. The Mayo Clinic reported the following
* symptoms for both conditions:
* shortness of breath
* painful breathing
* painful coughing
* chest pain under the rib cage
* unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest
* unexplained weight loss
* dry cough
* abdominal pain
* abdominal swelling
* change in bowel habits
* lumps of tissue in the abdomen
If an individual develops any of the above side effects, it is imperative that they receive immediate attention from a doctor. Unfortunately, there is a high rate of death linked to a mesothelioma diagnosis, which is commonly due to the fact the disease remains dormant for several years.
Support For Mesothelioma Victims
Mesothelioma sufferers face many challenges as a part of their diagnosis. In order for a victim to receive adequate mesothelioma treatments they must retrieve medical attention, which will assist in easing the pain and symptoms of mesothelioma.
Additionally, it may be necessary to receive details about the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit from an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Constructing a mesothelioma lawsuit will likely assist a victim in receiving monetary compensation, which can pay for the expensive mesothelioma treatments associated with the disease. For the latest on a mesothelioma diagnosis as well as the development of potential litigation, individuals can discuss a mesothelioma lawsuit with a mesothelioma attorney who can provide the most up-to-date news and information on such a case.
About the Author
LegalView (http://www.LegalView.info ) not only offers a variety of resources for mesothelioma patients at http://mesothelioma.legalview.com, but also provides a full library of legal resources ranging from the latest in traumatic brain injury treatments to developing a Fosamax class action lawsuit.