A commonly heard story from my clients is when they were first diagnosed with mesothelioma and their provider gave them a poor prognosis. Some of my clients have been misdiagnosed or delayed in diagnosis because their providers were unfamiliar with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer local medical providers may be unfamiliar with current diagnosis and treatment standards. Clients diagnosed with mesothelioma are strongly encouraged to consult with a doctor and a treatment facility that has experience with this disease.
There are a small number of doctors and treatment facilities across the US that specialize in mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. My clients often tell a whole different story after they have met and been treated by an MD who has experience treating this rare disease.
Anne Tsao, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology at M.D. Anderson, talks about her experience with mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment in this interview with Cancer Newsline.
#1 by Robert Rice on August 12, 2009 - 7:06 pm
I wonder how you diagnose this disease if you don’t have any symptoms at present.
I am a 70 yr old parkinsons patient.
My exposure was at the national gypsum plant near Batavia NY when I was 16 for about
6 to 9 months fliping hot dry wall boards as they came out of the oven. The factory had
real fine confetti floating around bldg all day ever day. At 17 i quit and joined the navy
#2 by Dorothy R Getz on August 23, 2009 - 2:33 pm
My husband was diagnosed with esophagual bleeding of the veins in 1997. We were told it was due to his liver, cirrihosis. Although he never drank heavily or used drugs or took transfusions, he did work with asbestos in many jobs when he was younger. Different drs told us he had liver cancer and finally in Mar of 2008 he was diagnosed with lung cancer. When I ask oncologist about Mesothelioma, I’m just told “it is not that”.
We have not pursued any actions since he was never documented with Meso. Any suggestions out there?
#3 by Mellissa Hayon on September 8, 2009 - 6:30 pm
This is a challenging disease to diagnose because the sypmtoms are similar to other serious illnesses. I recommend talking to a medical provider that has experience with asbestos-related illness. Because mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are rare, general practioners may not be aware of the most current diagnostic and treatment methods. You and your loved one always have a right for a second opinion. Your husband’s diagnosis may not be asbestos related, but asking the questions is important. Please contact me if you have additional questions.
#4 by Liz on October 13, 2009 - 4:51 pm
That seems a little odd that doctors can misdiagnose someone with the cancer. I would think if asbestos was even suspected to be the cause of someone’s health, they would be referred to a treatment center to be tested by doctors who know about the cancer and can diagnose correctly. Would a misdiagnosis lead to a lawsuit with the doctor? I think people just need to be careful because it seems like today, people sue over anything. However, if I were diagnosed with any disease related to asbestos, I would find a asbestos attorney to help me take the next steps to targeting who exposed employees or individuals to asbestos.