Can You Survive Mesothelioma Cancer?
A person's mesothelioma life expectancy depends on their cancer type and stage, mesothelioma treatment and other health-related factors. Some patients can improve their prognosis and even beat mesothelioma.
Doctors determine a patient's mesothelioma survival rate by taking a sample from their tumor for a biopsy. There are three types of mesothelioma, including epithelioid and s biphasic.
Age
The older you get the greater your likelihood of developing mesothelioma. The majority of patients with mesothelioma are older than 60 years old, and men in their 50s and 70s outnumber women by 3 to 1. According to CDC statistics between 1999 and 2015 more than 54,900 Americans have passed away from mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is triggered by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers cause irritation to the pleura, which is the lining that lines the lungs. This irritation could lead to the growth of cancerous cells, which can then expand to other areas of the body.
It can take as long as 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. This is because the initial symptoms are mild and mimic those of other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. As the cancer progresses it can cause fluid to build up in the lungs causing discomfort and shortness of breath. It may also spread to the lymph nodes, pericardium, diaphragm, and chest wall.
Epithelioid and sarcomatoid are the two major mesothelioma forms. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common, and responds best to treatment. Sarcomatoid is less responsive to treatments and more likely to recur. Biphasic is the term used to describe patients who suffer from a mix of both types.
Your doctor will classify your mesothelioma based on its appearance, the progression and the place it is within the mesothelium. These classifications are used to determine the nature and extent of your treatment, which can help improve your chances for survival.
It is often difficult to know what these factors can do to your outlook when you've been diagnosed as having mesothelioma. Many of the statistics available can be confusing and overwhelming. However, it is important to keep in mind that each person's prognosis is unique. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the general statistics you have read on the internet. They'll be able to explain what they mean for your situation. They might also recommend sources to help you receive the assistance you require.
Gender
The gender of a mesothelioma patient can influence their survival. Typically, men have lower mesothelioma survival rates than women. Several factors contribute to this. For instance, women see doctors more frequently than men for routine health check-ups, which could help detect mesothelioma earlier. This could help in diagnosing mesothelioma and receive more aggressive treatment.
Additionally, women tend to have better overall health than men. This makes women a better candidate for aggressive surgeries, such as pleurectomy-decortication (EPP), or less invasive procedures, such as extrapleural lungsectomy and percutaneous biopsy (P/D). Both of these procedures can be used to treat mesothelioma as well as prolong the life expectancy. Palliative treatment is an alternative option for patients with mesothelioma who do not qualify to undergo an intervention that cures mesothelioma. This can help reduce symptoms and improves the quality of life.
Patients with mesothelioma all are at risk of being misdiagnosed however this is particularly relevant for women. Many doctors do not consider mesothelioma a diagnosis for women because it is more common among men. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to those of other diseases. For example, pleural mesothelioma sufferers often experience a constant cough, difficulty breathing and chest pains. These symptoms are often mistaken for pneumonia, bronchitis or flu. Additionally, the signs of peritoneal mesothelioma are frequently confused with irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual issues or food allergies and intolerances.
The type of mesothelioma cell can also affect survival rates. According to a study, women with epithelioid versus mesothelioma with biphasic or sarcomatoid experienced a higher survival rate. This is due to epithelioid-like mesothelioma cells are much more responsive to treatments.
Other factors that could influence a person's survival from mesothelioma include the kind of asbestos they were exposed to, their age and general health. A mesothelioma specialist can explain how each of these factors can affect a patient's chances of survival. The mesothelioma sufferer will understand what to expect with their prognosis.
Type of mesothelioma
The mesothelioma cancerous can affect the linings of all organs. The signs of the disease can be misinterpreted as symptoms of other diseases which could delay treatment. This could also lead to mesothelioma to spread more quickly. A physical exam is necessary to determine the exact diagnosis of mesothelioma. Multiple kinds of tests are required. Imaging tests (X-rays or CT scans) and biopsy are among these tests. The doctor will remove a tiny amount of mesothelioma tissues and examines it under microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
In general, those who have mesothelioma in the early stages and those who have mesothelioma of the peritoneal type are more likely to live longer than those who are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. The area of the tumor or if it has spread can also affect the life expectancy. It is sometimes impossible to remove cancerous cells from the tumor due to its location. In these instances, doctors must try to control the cancer with other methods, like chemotherapy and radiation.
The most effective treatment strategies typically incorporate surgery along with other treatments. Surgery like EPP, HIPEC or P/D can keep mesothelioma at bay for months or even years. Following the initial treatment for mesothelioma patients can undergo maintenance treatments to prevent recurrence.
The age and health of the patient at the time they are diagnosed could also impact survival rates. Patients who are younger are more likely to survive since they are able to participate in clinical studies and receive the most up-to-date treatments. They are also less likely to suffer from other chronic medical conditions that could interfere with the treatment of mesothelioma.
The type of cancer and the stage will determine the length of time the patient's lifespan. A mesothelioma patient's outlook can improve by surrounded by knowledgeable advocates, find the right support network, and stay positive. Those affected by mesothelioma should learn the most they can about the disease and locate mesothelioma specialists to assist them with their treatment plan. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma contact our experienced mesothelioma lawyers for more information about the best path to pursue.
Treatment
The rate of survival for mesothelioma differs based on a variety of factors. The stage of cancer, the patient's age and their general health are all important mesothelioma fluid in lungs factors to take into consideration. People diagnosed at a younger age are more likely to have better outcomes. People with a more treatable mesothelioma variant typically have longer lives than those who have an even more dangerous type. Additionally, doctors can use the type of asbestos a patient was exposed to to determine their prognosis.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is utilized in a variety of industries. It was banned in the year 1999 because of its toxic and unsafe properties. Anyone who has been exposed to this chemical are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma typically occurs in the pleura or peritoneum or the lung. It is sometimes difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. The life expectancy for patients following the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma can range from 18 to 31 months.
Mesothelioma physicians are able offer patients treatment plans tailored to their specific diagnosis. These can include surgery, chemo or radiotherapy. These treatments can be combined to enhance the chances of a patient's longevity.
In some cases, the cancer has spread so far that it is unable to be eliminated surgically. The aim of treatment for patients with this condition is to reduce symptoms and prolong their lives as much as possible. Palliative care is the term used to describe this type of treatment. The symptoms of chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue can be alleviated by taking medications such as sedatives and strong painkillers. Fluid buildup in the lungs can also be treated with regular drains.
Participating in a clinical trial which tests a mesothelioma-specific treatment can also enhance a person's outlook. This is because these trials are designed to find the best treatments possible for patients.
It is important to realize that mesothelioma survival rates are only an estimation of the chance that someone will be diagnosed with cancer. These numbers are based on groups of patients with similar cases. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma.