Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It can often be misdiagnosed as pneumonia, and there is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatments are available to help prolong the life of patients. The average mesothelioma life expectancy is between 12-21 months after diagnosis, but some patients live for much longer.
What Is Mesothelioma and How Does It Develop
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, known as the mesothelium. This type of cancer can often be misdiagnosed as pneumonia, since its symptoms are similar to those of other lung-related conditions. However, mesothelioma has no known cure and can be difficult to treat.
Mesothelioma developes over time in response to exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was commonly used as a building material until the 1970s. Unfortunately, mesothelioma can take 10-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos, which means that many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are older adults.
How to Recognize Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the cancer. In its early stages, mesothelioma may cause shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and fatigue. As the cancer progresses, patients may also experience weight loss, pain in the chest or abdomen, and difficulty swallowing.
If asbestos exposure occurred and are experiencing any of these mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away for a proper diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Treatments and Their Side Effects
While there is no known cure for mesothelioma, treatment options are available that can help prolong the life of patients and improve their quality of life. Options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
These treatments come with there own risks and side effects though. Chemotherapy, for example, can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. Radiation therapy may cause skin irritation and damage to nearby healthy tissue. Surgery to remove mesothelioma tumors can lead to pain, infection, and scarring.
Patients should discuss all potential mesothelioma treatments with their doctor to determine which option is best for them.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Another option for mesothelioma treatment is to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that test new mesothelioma treatments, and they can offer patients access to cutting-edge therapies that are not yet available to the general public.
Mesothelioma clinical trials are ongoing across the country, and they offer hope to mesothelioma patients who are looking for new treatment options.
What Is the Mesothelioma Life Expectancy for Patients?
The average mesothelioma life expectancy is 12-21 months after diagnosis, but some patients have survived longer. Factors that may affect mesothelioma prognosis include the stage of the cancer, the type of mesothelioma, and the patient's overall health.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to talk to your doctor. Individual prognosis and treatment options may vary. With early diagnosis and proper care, mesothelioma patients can live longer, happier lives despite their diagnosis.
Factors That Can Affect Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
There are three main types of mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the lungs), peritoneal mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the abdomen), and pericardial mesothelioma (which affects the sac around the heart).
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, and it tends to have a longer mesothelioma life expectancy than the other types.
Other factors that affect mesothelioma prognosis include the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, as there are four stages of mesothelioma. How advanced the cancer is affects mesothelioma life expectancy.
Factors such as age, gender, and overall health can also play a role in mesothelioma prognosis.
Mesothelioma Survival Rates
The mesothelioma survival rate varies depending on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the cancer at diagnosis.
Research shows that pleural mesothelioma patients have the best mesothelioma survival rates. With an average five-year mesothelioma survival rate of around 50%.
For peritoneal mesothelioma, the mesothelioma survival rate is lower, with most patients living less than five years after diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest and most aggressive type of mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with this type of cancer often have a mesothelioma life expectancy of less than one year.
