Key Takeaways
- A mesothelioma diagnosis raises urgent questions. The five most important ones to ask your medical team are about treatment options, your specific type, treatment costs, potential side effects, and available support services.
- “What treatment options are available?” — Treatment depends on your type and stage. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient.
- “What type of mesothelioma do I have?” — Knowing whether your mesothelioma is pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or testicular directly affects your treatment plan and prognosis.
- “How much will treatment cost?” — Treatment can be expensive. If your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure, you may be eligible for compensation to help cover these costs.
- “What are the side effects?” — Each treatment carries different potential side effects. Understanding them in advance helps you and your family prepare.
- “Are there support services?” — Many care teams offer counseling, nutritional services, and support groups for both patients and caregivers. Ask your treatment center what’s available.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is normal to feel confused or upset. It is also common to have questions regarding treatment options, hospitals to treat at, medical expenses, and more. As mesothelioma is a rare yet aggressive form of cancer, it is important to recognize symptoms that are associated with it. This will enable the patient to explore more potential treatment options. There are many questions to ask after a mesothelioma diagnosis and receiving answers to these questions could help the patient and loved one’s have more clarity. The following list includes 5 questions to ask after a mesothelioma diagnosis. While these can be useful to inquire about, every patient is different and needs a tailored approach.
Questions to Ask After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
- What treatment options are available?
- What type of mesothelioma do I have?
- How much will treatment cost?
- What are the potential side effects of treatment?
- Are there support services for patients and loved ones?
Question 1: What Treatment Options Are Available?
After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, patients tend to think about the cancer treatment they will receive. It is useful to ask your doctor about the treatment plans that are available for your particular type and stage of mesothelioma. Common treatments for mesothelioma include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Immunotherapy
- Surgery
Patients also may be eligible to enroll in clinical trials. Consulting with a doctor can help the mesothelioma patient with determining the best possible course of action when it comes to treatment.
Question 2: What Type of Mesothelioma Do I Have?
There are four different types of mesothelioma, each originating in different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which begins in the lining of the lungs. There are three other types of mesothelioma: peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and testicular mesothelioma. Understanding the type of mesothelioma you have can be helpful when it comes to treatment.
Question 3: How Much Will Treatment Cost?
Medical expenses can be a large burden for those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. A key question to ask after a mesothelioma diagnosis would understandably be related to treatment costs. Treatment can be very expensive, depending on a variety of factors. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you are likely eligible for compensation for your diagnosis due to the causes of mesothelioma coming from asbestos. This compensation can help pay for things related to treatment. Our team of attorneys have decades of experience fighting for the rights of mesothelioma victims and obtaining compensation for our clients.
Question 4: What Are the Potential Side Effects of Mesothelioma Treatment?
There are various potential treatment options for those who have received a mesothelioma diagnosis. Different types of treatment can be accompanied by different potential side effects. Asking your doctor about side effects you may experience could be something to consider. For instance, common side effects of chemotherapy include:
- Hair loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Bruising
Question 5: Are There Support Services for Patients and Loved Ones?
It is important to have a good support network when navigating a cancer diagnosis. It is a good idea to ask your care team if they offer any services, such as counseling or nutritional services. In many cases, these services are available. You can also look into support groups for both patients and caregivers.
These are just a sampling of questions to ask after a mesothelioma diagnosis, and each individual could have more questions specific to their situation. Our website is filled with more information about mesothelioma, including common treatments, mesothelioma treatment centers in and around Pennsylvania, and legal help.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, we are here to help. We have free resources available for those who would like more information. To get these resources or to speak to a member of our team, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or utilize the chat feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What treatment options should I ask about after a mesothelioma diagnosis?
Ask your doctor about all available options for your specific type and stage of mesothelioma. Common treatments include:
- Surgery — if the tumor can be surgically removed (pleurectomy decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy)
- Chemotherapy — typically pemetrexed combined with cisplatin
- Radiation therapy — used before or after surgery, or for palliative care
- Immunotherapy — checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab
- Clinical trials — emerging therapies not yet widely available
Many patients receive a combination of these treatments. Your doctor can help determine which approach is most appropriate for your situation.
Why is knowing my mesothelioma type important?
There are four types of mesothelioma, each affecting a different part of the body and requiring a different treatment approach:
- Pleural (lining of the lungs) — the most common, ~75% of cases
- Peritoneal (lining of the abdomen) — ~20% of cases
- Pericardial (lining of the heart) — ~1% of cases
- Testicular (membrane covering the testes) — less than 1%
Beyond the type, ask your doctor about your cell subtype (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) and stage — these three pieces of information together shape your full treatment plan and expected prognosis.
How can I pay for mesothelioma treatment?
Mesothelioma treatment can be costly, but if your diagnosis was caused by asbestos exposure, compensation may be available to help cover expenses. Sources of compensation include:
- Lawsuits against employers or manufacturers who exposed you to asbestos
- Asbestos trust fund claims — over $30 billion available across 60+ active funds
- VA disability benefits — for veterans exposed during military service (mesothelioma is rated 100% disability)
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help identify which compensation pathways apply to your case.
What side effects should I expect from treatment?
Side effects vary by treatment type:
- Chemotherapy — hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, bruising, weakened immunity
- Surgery — pain, recovery time, potential complications depending on the procedure’s scope
- Radiation — skin irritation, fatigue, potential damage to nearby tissue
- Immunotherapy — injection site reactions, fever, fatigue, and in rare cases, autoimmune issues
Discuss potential side effects with your doctor before starting treatment so you and your family can prepare.
What support services are available for mesothelioma patients and families?
Many treatment centers offer support services that go beyond medical care:
- Counseling and psychological support — for patients and caregivers dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress
- Nutritional services — to help manage diet during treatment and maintain strength
- Support groups — connecting with other patients and families who understand the experience
- Patient navigators — dedicated coordinators who help manage scheduling, records, and communication between specialists
Ask your care team what’s available at your treatment center. Pennsylvania facilities like Fox Chase Cancer Center and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offer comprehensive support programs.
What should I do after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis?
After a diagnosis, three steps are most important:
- Ask your medical team these five questions to understand your type, stage, treatment options, costs, and available support
- Connect with a specialized treatment center — in Pennsylvania, options include Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia) and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (Pittsburgh)
- Explore your legal options — compensation can help cover the cost of treatment and support your family. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
