Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Thankfully, research scientists and doctors have been working to improve the life expectancy for mesothelioma patients for decades. And they've done just that: survival rates for mesothelioma have steadily increased over the past several decades. These numbers are expected to climb in the coming years with recent advancements in mesothelioma treatment. While there is no definitive cure for mesothelioma, patients can elect to undergo specialized treatment or participate in clinical trials that often help prolong their life expectancy and improve their overall quality of life.
In an effort to help patients understand and improve their life expectancy, the Mesothelioma Center offers a complimentary packet that contains treatment information tailored to your specific diagnosis. The packet also covers the nation's top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs. To receive your packet in the mail, please enter your information below.
Life Expectancy Factors
The life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient can be influenced by a number of factors, including stage of the cancer, type of mesothelioma, age at diagnosis, latency period of symptoms and other prognostic indicators. Mesothelioma is identified by where it attacks the body, and the location plays a role in survival.Pleural mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lungs and makes up about 75 percent of mesothelioma cases. Its commonness makes for a longer life expectancy. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdomen and is responsible for 20 to 25 percent of mesothelioma cases. On average, peritoneal mesothelioma patients live around six months after diagnosis, but women tend to live longer than men with this type.
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart. It accounts for only about 5 percent of the cases and is extremely difficult for doctors to treat and for patients to survive long.
Doctors have had some success treating mesothelioma, and there are actions someone can take to increase life expectancy. The earlier the disease is spotted, the better the chance of a successful treatment. A few (mostly younger) patients have survived five years or longer because of their treatment and exercise regimens.
Mesothelioma is also classified by cell type, and that type impacts average survival periods. Patients with an epithelioid type mesothelioma generally have a better life expectancy than those with a sarcomatoid or biphasic (mixed) subtype.
Staging
The exact stage of the cancer upon diagnosis has a direct impact on life expectancy. The primary factors that help define the stage of mesothelioma include symptoms and metastasis (spreading of the cancer).Stage l
Cancer is localized. Surgery may be able to remove tumors and prognosis is highest.Stage ll
Cancer has spread beyond point of origin. Surgery may still be an option, but life expectancy is decreased.Stage lll
Cancer has progressed to advanced stage of development. Palliative treatments to ease symptoms may be considered.Stage lV
Cancer has spread to distant locations. Palliative treatments can improve comfort, but life expectancy is severely decreased.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Doctors use a handful of common techniques to render a diagnosis: physical examinations, biopsies, blood tests, X-rays and imaging scans. They also take a medical history, including any history of smoking. In the case of mesothelioma, they will want to know about any history of asbestos exposure. A person should get a diagnosis from a specialist within three to six months of first seeing the doctor.Histology
The histological subtype is one of the most important prognosis factors for malignant mesothelioma. Patients with epithelioid mesothelioma have a much better life expectancy than those with a sarcomatoid or biphasic (mixed) subtype.Latency Period
The severe latency period associated with the onset of symptoms may result in a late diagnosis. When referencing mesothelioma, latency period is defined as the period of time between exposure to asbestos and the moment the cancer become noticeable. Mesothelioma patients diagnosed in the later stages of development will often receive treatment to ease pain and discomfort rather than try to cure the disease.Other Factors
A mesothelioma patient's life expectancy may also be affected by demographic and lifestyle factors, such as:
Gender
Males are predominantly affected by mesothelioma cancer.
Age
75 percent of mesothelioma cases in the United States occur in men age 55 or older.
Smoking
Smokers are 90% more likely to develop lung cancer after asbestos exposure.
Prolonging Life Expectancy
The efficacy of treatment should not be ignored when considering impacts on life expectancy. Treatment is improving with research and new medical advancements, and this is having a positive influence on the five-year survival rate. Additionally, mesothelioma survivors seem to have a unifying link: they integrated holistic and natural medicine into their treatment plan. Nutritional regimens, the addition of supplements and alternative therapies like acupuncture are among the holistic approaches tha survivors are using for their lives.
5-Year Relative Survival (Percent) 1999-2006
Age at Diagnosis
< 45
39.7%
45-54
15.7%
55-64
7.5%
65-74
6.0%
75+
2.7%
Source: SEER Cancer Incidence Report
Treatment Factors
There are a number of options for patients to relieve symptoms and prolong their asbestos cancer life expectancy. Patients can elect to undergo treatment to remove the cancer, kill cancerous cells, reduce pain or manage metastasis. Some treatments that may improve life expectancy include:Traditional Treatment:
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the three forms of traditional treatment currently available to extend life expectancy. Tests to diagnose mesothelioma in its earliest stage of development are also being explored to enhance the effectiveness of current traditional treatments.Non-Traditional Treatment:
Therapies such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, photodynamic therapy and hormonal therapy are a class of experimental treatments. These therapies have improved life expectancy in some patients, but are only available through clinical trials since they are still in an experimental stage of medical testing.Alternative Treatment:
A selection of mesothelioma patients have benefitted from alternative or complimentary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, massage and yoga. These alternative therapies may reduce stress, pain and improve quality of life.Clinical Trials
Mesothelioma researchers are testing new medications and treatment approaches through clinical trials with the hope of improving life expectancy. Clinical trials allow patients to take advantage of new treatments that may extend survival, but may also come with an element of risk.Nutrition
Patients who are searching for a second opinion or an experienced mesothelioma doctor can contact the Doctor Match department at the Mesothelioma Center to learn more about their options depending upon their unique diagnosis and location. To take advantage of this complimentary service, please call the Doctor Match department at (800) 549-0544.
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