Mesothelioma Patient Timeline & Costs

Couple looking over medical billsWhen it comes to treating cancer, very few people have the money they need for medical care. Sadly, insurance usually doesn't cover everything.

According to a study conducted by the Washington National Institute for Wellness Solutions, 62% of cancer survivors incurred debt as a result of their treatment.

Victims of mesothelioma and their families may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the manufacturers of dangerous asbestos-containing products that caused their illness.

Call Sokolove Law right now at (800) 647-3434 if you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

An estimated $30 Billion is available in court-ordered mesothelioma trust funds. This money has been set aside by these companies to pay victims of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.

Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers can handle the entire legal process on your behalf, so you can focus on your health and family during this challenging time.

Taking legal action is also financially risk free because our team only gets paid if your case results in compensation. There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs.

Billions Recovered Nationwide

At Sokolove Law, we’ve recovered over $4.9 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma patients and their families nationwide. Let us get you the results you deserve.

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Treatment of Mesothelioma Timeline & Costs

Below is a sample mesothelioma timeline that details the estimated cost of treatment for a year, which is $402,000. The prices for medical care and testing used here are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent any one patient in a specific geographical region.

Individual patients’ medical costs will vary. Some patients will need more or less treatment, diagnostic testing, or hospitalization.

The cost for the same medical services can also vary greatly from one medical provider to another.

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $402,000

  • Doctor Visit Doctor Visit
  • Test/scan/X-ray Test/Scan/X-ray
  • Lab work Lab Work
  • Procedure Procedure
  • Hospitlization Hospitalization
  • Prescription Prescription

$75

Initial Doctor Visit

Patient with mesothelioma symptoms (like a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain) visits their doctor for an evaluation.

$600

Chest X-Ray

A chest X-ray is taken to look for pleural effusion, which is a buildup of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and chest.

$3,000

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan of Chest

Patient undergoes a CT scan to determine the exact location and stage of the cancer. Oral contrast is used to outline intestines and find tumors.

$75

Follow-Up Doctor Visit

Results of the CT scan are discussed and thoracentesis (a procedure to remove excess fluid in the pleural space) is scheduled.

$2,250

Thoracentesis

In this diagnostic procedure, fluid is removed and sent to a lab. The removal of the excess fluid should also help the patient breathe more easily.

$600

Follow-Up Chest X-Ray

After thoracentesis, another chest X-ray is performed to ensure the fluid has been removed and the lung is working properly.

$73,000

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) with Biopsy

If cytology reports are inconclusive, the patient is admitted to hospital for a VAT surgery, which removes a sample of lung tissue.

$75

Follow-Up Doctor Visit

Patient visits doctor to discuss test results and notes that original symptoms have returned despite the previous procedures that were performed.

$600

Repeat Chest X-Ray

Another X-ray of the chest is taken to look for pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is discovered again, and another thoracentesis is scheduled.

$2,250

Repeat Thoracentesis

Excess fluid is drawn out of the lung area again and sent to a lab. Hopefully this allows the patient to breathe more easily again.

$600

Follow-Up Chest X-Ray

After the repeat thoracentesis, another chest X-ray is performed to ensure the fluid has been removed and the lung is working properly.

$75

Doctor Visit

Patient returns to the doctor due to worsening symptoms that may include trouble breathing, a persistent cough, or chest pain.

$600

Additional Chest X-Ray (if needed)

Doctor performs another chest X-ray and notes pleural effusion again. Due to repeated pleural effusions, tube thoracostomy placement procedure is recommended.

$4,500

Tube Thoracostomy

A tube is inserted into the pleural cavity of the chest to drain all excess fluid that is causing the patient pain and discomfort.

$600

Additional Chest X-Ray (if needed)

Another chest X-ray is performed to ensure all fluid has been removed. Masses in the lung are clearly shown on the X-ray.

$3,000

Additional CT Scan

Patient undergoes another CT scan to determine the exact locations of the masses and possible stage of the cancer.

$400

Specialist Doctor Visit

Patient meets with a specialist to discuss a treatment plan and to schedule a biopsy of the mass found in the lung.

$73,000

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) with Biopsy

VAT surgery is performed again to remove a sample of the lung tissue for biopsy.

$500

Multiple X-Rays

Many different X-rays are taken of the chest to determine pleural effusion status and ensure the patient is stable post-procedure.

$500

Consultation with Oncologist

Patient meets with an oncologist (a doctor who specializes in cancer diagnosis and treatment) to map out a treatment plan.

$5,000

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

Patient undergoes a PET scan to determine the stage of mesothelioma. Radioactive glucose is injected into the bloodstream, allowing tumors to be shown more clearly.

$100

Vitamin B12 Injection

B12 injections are given because taking certain chemotherapy drugs can result in lack of B12, which causes pernicious anemia (dry skin, fatigue, shortness of breath).

$100

Follow-Up Labs

Before each chemotherapy session, a complete blood count (CBC) test is done to monitor a patient’s general health.

$10,000 Monthly Average

Chemotherapy Begins

Patient begins chemotherapy treatment to attack the cancer cells. The cost of chemotherapy depends on the frequency, chemo routine, etc. Prescription drugs may include: Alimta, Gemcitabine, Cisplatin Power, and Carboplatin.

$1,000 Monthly

Prescription Charges - Aloxi

This is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

$6,000 Monthly

Prescription Charges - Neulasta

This is used to treat neutropenia (lack of white blood cells) caused by chemotherapy.

$150

Repeat B12 Injection

B12 injections are repeated to ensure the patient remains as healthy as possible during chemotherapy treatment.

$2,250

Fluid Drains

If excess fluid begins to accumulate again in the chest, it may need to be drained repeatedly to keep the patient comfortable.

$2,000 per Night Average

Possible Inpatient Hospitalization

Inpatient hospitalizations may be necessary at certain points depending on a patient’s nutrition status (dehydration, severe nausea/vomiting, etc.).

$25 for 100 pills

Prescription Charges - Oxycodone

This drug is prescribed for pain. The dosage will often increase over time, or it will be combined with other drugs.

$402,000 Total Cost of Mesothelioma Treatment for 1 Year

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About the Cost of Mesothelioma Treatment

The total estimated cost of $402,000 is based on the average expenses for 1 year of mesothelioma treatment. Every patient’s medical costs will vary.

Mesothelioma treatment options will vary according to the location of the cancer, the stage at diagnosis, and more, which affects the overall cost of care.

Some patients may need additional procedures, including:

  • Chest MRI ($5,000)
  • Echocardiogram ($800)
  • Extrapleural Pneumonectomy or EPP ($62,000)
  • Immunotherapy ($22,000 to $40,000)
  • Pleurectomy with Decortication or P/D ($54,000)
  • Radiation therapy ($11,000)
  • Cytoreduction with HIPEC for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma ($84,000)

Expenses from traveling to specialists for treatment, lodging near hospitals, lost wages, and more can also add up quickly, becoming more than many families have to spend.

Fighting this disease can create financial hardship for any family. Thankfully, compensation may be available.

Mesothelioma Patients: Get Financial Help from Sokolove Law

As a national mesothelioma law firm, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of mesothelioma patients and their families get the compensation they needed for treatment and life after a cancer diagnosis.

We can help clients pursue mesothelioma compensation by filing:

Call (800) 647-3434 or fill out our contact form now for a free, legal consultation. We’ll let you know what compensation options may be available to you.