Stage 4 Mesothelioma

A Brief Summary of the Following Article

• Progression: Stage 4 mesothelioma involves extensive spread of the cancer, affecting distant organs and severely impacting quality of life, necessitating complex management strategies.
• Symptoms: This stage presents severe symptoms like chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, significant weight loss, and pain, urging immediate medical attention.
• Treatment Options: Available treatments include palliative surgeries, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and innovative treatments like tumor treating fields to extend life.
• Legal Support: The Williams Law Firm, P.C. is dedicated to supporting victims in mesothelioma cases, offering experienced legal representation to help victims secure compensation and navigate the complexities of asbestos litigation.
• Call (855) 575-6376 or complete our contact form, and you can discuss your case with a compassionate attorney who can guide you through the complexities of mesothelioma litigation

As patients navigate the complexities of a mesothelioma diagnosis, understanding the specifics of stage 4 mesothelioma is crucial for managing care, exploring treatment options, and prioritizing quality of life. This advanced stage of mesothelioma, often resulting from asbestos exposure, challenges both patients and healthcare professionals as they navigate the limited treatment options available.

Pursuing a legal claim can provide financial support for healthcare and compensate for the loss of quality of life, helping patients and their families navigate the complexities of this dire diagnosis. If you need legal support with your mesothelioma claim, contact The Williams Law Firm, P.C. Our lead attorney, Joe Williams, can provide invaluable assistance and representation during this challenging time as he fights for your rights.

What Is Stage 4 Mesothelioma?

Stage 4 mesothelioma is the most advanced stage of mesothelioma. Receiving a diagnosis at this stage can be difficult, as the patient has likely already experienced serious symptoms and negative impacts on their life.

At this stage, mesothelioma has likely spread to other body parts (metastasized). It has become more aggressive, potentially impacting the lymphatic system, liver, brain, spine, bones, and other parts of the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Stage 4 Mesothelioma?

If you suspect you are suffering from mesothelioma, especially at a later stage, you may face many symptoms. The following are some of the common symptoms associated with late stages of mesothelioma:

• Chronic cough, hoarseness, coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Severe pain in the chest
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite, significant weight loss
• Swelling in the face or arm
• Night sweats, fever
• Abdominal pain, fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Muscle breakdown, or cachexia

There are also additional symptoms associated with earlier stages of mesothelioma, so we recommend seeking medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any of these medical issues or have concerns about mesothelioma.

Types of Stage 4 Mesothelioma

There are four types of stage 4 mesothelioma, all of which are named based on where the cancer first starts in the patient’s body. These types include the following:

• Pleural mesothelioma: This type begins in the lungs and then spreads to the opposite lung, kidneys, or liver.
• Pericardial mesothelioma: Pericardial mesothelioma begins in the heart’s protective lining and may spread to the esophagus.
• Testicular mesothelioma: Beginning in the testes, this is the rarest type of mesothelioma.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen, may spread to the abdominal organs, such as the intestines or abdomen.

Your treatment options for stage 4 mesothelioma may vary based on the type you have been diagnosed with. 

Treatments for Stage 4 Mesothelioma

While there are no cures for any stage of mesothelioma, you can receive treatment to improve your overall quality of life. There are also a few treatments available to those facing stage 4 mesothelioma, including the following:

• Surgery: The most common surgical procedure for stage 4 mesothelioma is palliative surgery; however, most forms of surgery are too dangerous in later stages. Some patients choose to undergo experimental surgeries in clinical trials, such as tumor removals.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is an effective treatment option in later stages of mesothelioma.
• Targeted therapies: Some drugs used in targeted therapies have shown promise in treatment, including bevacizumab. This is often combined with chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to fight cancer, improving survival rates. Some beneficial therapies include Opdivo® (nivolumab) and Yervoy® (ipilimumab).
• Radiation therapy: Depending on the type of radiation therapy used, patients can live up to an additional 30 months. Proton therapy is one of the newer types of radiation therapy being used.
• Tumor treating fields: This treatment is most effective when paired with chemotherapy.

Many potential treatments can extend your life even in the later stages of mesothelioma, and new therapies are constantly being studied and established. We strongly recommend that you follow your doctor’s recommendations for care and treatment as closely as possible during this time.

How Can a Mesothelioma Attorney Assist You With Your Claim?

If you face mesothelioma due to another person’s negligence, you can take legal action against the liable individuals. Whether in mesothelioma’s early or later stages, you can still receive treatment and improve your quality of life.

When you work with an attorney, such as one from The Williams Law Firm, P.C., you can receive invaluable support. We can help you in the following ways:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Working with medical professionals
• Negotiating with every party to recover a satisfactory settlement
• Collecting evidence to prove liability
• Assuring that all documents are filed correctly and promptly
• Communicating with the other parties on your behalf
• Organizing and presenting the evidence to prove liability and damages
• Accessing research methods and tools only available to legal professionals
• Providing an understanding of the legal system and how to make it work for you

We offer personalized support and have over 30 years of experience. Attorney Joe Williams is also willing to meet with you in your home, personally, to work on your claim. Please refrain from representing yourself during your case, as we can help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact Williams Law Firm, P.C. for Support With Your Mesothelioma Claim: Receive the Compensation You Deserve

If you have been diagnosed with Stage 4 mesothelioma, it is crucial to explore all your legal options promptly. The Williams Law Firm, P.C. understands the severity of asbestos-related cases and is committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Led by the talented and experienced lead attorney and founding partner Joseph P. Williams, we have a long track record of bringing clients the results they need. We have never lost a mesothelioma case. 

We offer free consultations and individual handling of your case so you receive personalized service and care. Call (855) 575-6376 or complete our contact form, and you can discuss your case with a compassionate attorney who can guide you through the complexities of mesothelioma litigation. We are here to help you fight for justice and support you every step of your legal journey.