Stage I Mesothelioma Cancer

Stage I mesothelioma cancer is the first of four stages in the disease. Patients with a stage I diagnosis have the most treatment options, including potentially curative surgery. They also have the best prognosis and a life expectancy of at least 21 months.

Whether you are in the early stages or final stages of mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Stage I Symptoms

Symptoms of mesothelioma are minimal and mild during this stage. Yet, some indications may help doctors get an early diagnosis.

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and experience any sort of chest, abdominal, or lung pain at all, you should immediately consult with your physician.

Bringing your complete medical and work history, including the periods in which you were exposed to asbestos, will significantly increase your chances of getting an early diagnosis.

Signs that may begin during stage I but which are more likely in later stages are:

• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Pain in the chest or abdomen

Stage I Treatments

Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are effective treatments for stage I malignant mesothelioma. Most mesothelioma doctors recommend that the patient use a combination of two or more treatments for the best results.

For example, surgery followed by chemotherapy may make the success rate of the patient much higher. Combining two effective treatments is most commonly known as multimodal therapy.

Multimodal therapy is more effective than a single type of mesothelioma treatment because, after surgery, there is a chance that some cancerous cells will linger behind. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy help eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.

If you’re in stage I and your overall health isn’t good enough, or if the tumor is in a dangerous area in the body, you may not be eligible for surgery. In such instances, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used in combination instead.

Stage I Prognosis

Since mesothelioma is in its earliest stages of development during stage I, the prognosis for patients is favorable. The younger the patient and the better the patient’s health, the chances of survival increase.

Young and healthy patients respond the best to treatment, making their prognosis stronger than any other group.

You’ll need a personal assessment from your own physician to determine what’s best for you and what treatments will prolong your survival rate.

Even in its earliest stages, each mesothelioma case is different, and your situation may not be the same as another patient in the same stage.

Stage I diagnoses are rare for mesothelioma patients. The best way to get an early diagnosis is to be aware of and talk to your doctor about any past asbestos exposure.

Getting Legal Help

Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.