Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is aggressive and which is linked with exposure to asbestos. In fact, some people call it, “asbestos cancer”. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this form of cancer is not good. Most patients will live for one year of less after being diagnosed.
In case you don't know, a prognosis is the predicted outcome of a health disorder. Doctors share prognosis with their patients in order to help them understand what is happening to their bodies and what is likely to happen in the future.
How long a patient survives after being diagnosed will depend on a range of factors, including patient health and which stage the cancer is at. As well, the type of mesothelioma will play a role.
Related: What is the Average Life Expectancy with Mesothelioma?
Early Treatment Helps with Mesothelioma Prognosis
Mesothelioma prognosis for this form of cancer may be improved by getting treatment earlier on, before the cancer has moved on to latter stages. As well, embracing a lifestyle, which is healthy, may make it possible to live for longer with this form of cancer.
The most dangerous form of mesothelioma is the malignant variety. It is very aggressive and its latency period is long. This means that it typically develops within the body, undetected, until its advanced stages are reached.
Related: Facts About Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is Not Curable
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatments for this type of cancer are improving, albeit at a fairly slow rate. The improvements in treatment are linked with experimental treatments, new methods of detection, enhanced diagnostic processes and new research via clinical trials.
Why Does Mesothelioma Happen?
This form of cancer may be caused by overgrowth of cells due to genetic changes. The form of mesothelioma known as pleural mesothelioma is the form, which is linked with exposure to asbestos. When a person breathes in fibers from asbestos, the fibers will move through the airway, towards the tips of compact air passages. These fibers will reach the pleura and this will trigger scarring and inflammation.
If you or someone that you care about has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, you may wish to consider legal action. Many people with this form of cancer have sued the companies, agencies or persons who were responsible for exposing them to asbestos.
As well, the family members of people with this form of cancer have brought lawsuits into the courts. It may be possible to get damages, which help to cover the cost of treatment. Another possibility is that a plaintiff will receive an out of court settlement.
Related: Mesothelioma Symptoms | Early Detection of Asbestos Cancer
