New York, NY (PRWEB) April 12, 2012
New York mesothelioma attorney Joseph W. Belluck said today that he welcomed a report confirming that a less extensive surgical procedure could be the standard for treating pleural mesothelioma patients.
"Any news that indicates an advance in the treatment of mesothelioma, or any progress in alleviating the suffering of mesothelioma patients, is good news," said Belluck of New York City's Belluck & Fox, LLP, a New York law firm that focuses on mesothelioma cases.
"We've seen the devastating effects of this terrible disease and applaud anything that ensures that victims receive the best – and least invasive – treatment possible," he said.
The report appears in the April 2012 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. It suggests that the preferred surgery for pleural mesothelioma patients is a procedure in which surgeons remove the diseased lining around the lung but spare the lung itself.
The procedure, known as a "pleurectomy/decortication," or P/D, confirms other studies that have found a pleurectomy to be as effective as a more invasive surgery.
The most common surgery used to treat mesothelioma patients is a more radical procedure known as an "extrapleural pneumonectomy," or EPP. In this procedure, surgeons remove the entire diseased lung, the lining of the lung, part of the membrane covering the heart and part of the diaphragm.
Researchers who tracked about 75 mesothelioma patients who underwent one of the surgical procedures plus additional treatments such as chemotherapy between January 2008 and June 2011 found that patients who underwent a pleurectomy/decortication had better results than those who underwent more extensive surgery, the report says.
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos. It usually afflicts workers who had direct contact with asbestos in an industrial setting or a factory, such as pipefitters, foundry workers, machinists or mechanics.
A combination of surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy and radiation is the standard of treatment for mesothelioma patients. However, some patients with advanced cancer may be too weak to handle extensive surgery.
Belluck urged anybody with mesothelioma to seek the advice of a mesothelioma specialist.
"A diagnosis of mesothelioma means that your life and the lives of those around you have forever changed," Belluck said. "Anything that lessens this burden is welcome."
Belluck said victims of mesothelioma must often pursue legal claims to recover compensation they need for medical expenses and loss of income.
"We will continue to help mesothelioma and asbestos exposure victims pursue their legitimate claims for compensation," he said.
About Belluck & Fox, LLP
Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $400 million in compensation for clients and their families.
Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine's "Best Lawyers in the New York Area" and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $12 million.
Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine's "Best Lawyers in the New York Area" and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal's Largest Verdict of the Year. He recently secured verdicts of $32 million and more than $19 million on behalf of individuals who had contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America's best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.
For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.
