Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer that affects the tissues lining the lungs, abdomen and heart. Individuals who are exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing this disease.
The news of mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating. It is not uncommon for questions to run through your mind following the diagnosis. However, amidst the confusion, it is important that you focus on the steps you need to take going forward.
Here are three steps you need to take immediately following your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Seek a second opinion
Make no mistake, being diagnosed with a terminal disease like mesothelioma is a big deal. If you have been diagnosed with this type of cancer, it is extremely important that you rule out the possibility of a misdiagnosis. If a mesothelioma expert did not make your first diagnosis, you need to seek a second opinion from a specialist. This will clear any doubts you might have so you can be certain that you are treating the right condition.
Know what you are dealing with
Once you have confirmed that you have mesothelioma, you need to learn as much as you can about the disease. The more you know about mesothelioma, the more empowered you will be to make the right calls while fighting the disease. Specifically, it is important that you know the exact type of mesothelioma you are dealing with.
Get started with treatment
Mesothelioma may be an incurable type of cancer. But this is not to say that you should sit back and wait for your death. As soon as you receive your diagnosis, it is important that you begin your search for a mesothelioma doctor to start your treatment right away. Subject to your condition, some of the treatment options your oncologist can recommend include radiation, chemotherapy, gene therapy or immunotherapy.
There is no doubt that diagnosis with mesothelioma will change your life forever. Knowing the right steps to take following your diagnosis can help you pursue the right treatment and damages you may be entitled to.