When 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.
Get Mesothelioma Financial Support
At Sokolove Law, we’ve recovered over $5.1 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma patients and their families nationwide. Let us get you the results you deserve.
Mesothelioma Patient Timeline: Treatment & 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- Test/Scan/X-ray
- Lab Work
- Procedure
- Hospitalization
- Prescription
Doctor Visit
Test/Scan/X-ray
Lab Work
Procedure
Hospitalization
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
Get Help Paying for Treatment
Our mesothelioma lawyers can fight on your behalf for the compensation you need. Take the first steps toward justice now.
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.
Get Mesothelioma Financial Support 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:
- Mesothelioma lawsuits
- Asbestos claims with trust funds
- VA claims for benefits on behalf of veterans with mesothelioma
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.
