Mesothelioma
Although the rate of mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States peaked in the 1990s, approximately 3,000 new cases are still diagnosed each year. And while mesothelioma is still relatively rare when compared to other kinds of cancer, it’s important to be able to identify all the causes and risk factors, so you can determine whether you may benefit from a lung cancer screening.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare form of cancer found in the lining surrounding the lungs, stomach and heart, caused by ingesting asbestos fibers. On average, the life expectancy of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma is one year. However, effective treatments and therapies can sometimes improve prognoses, if the cancer is caught early.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos or have any of these symptoms, see your Mercy doctor right away.
Diagnosing & Staging Mesothelioma
Mercy’s cancer specialists offer the latest tools for diagnosing and staging mesothelioma. A mesothelioma diagnosis may involve several tests including diagnostic imaging, blood tests and a biopsy.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
At Mercy, we don’t just care for you, we care about you. We understand that for many people with mesothelioma, treatment options are limited. Even though we can’t always offer a cure, our team of cancer specialists can provide care and support to ease your symptoms. We’ll help you understand your condition and your options for battling it.
