Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Mesothelioma is the deadliest type of cancer arising due to the inhalation or ingestion of unseen microscopic asbestos fibers, over a period of time. It is the most fatal of all cancers. Any direct or indirect asbestos exposure can be the cause of mesothelioma cancer. Direct asbestos exposure may take place when asbestos mine workers, ship builders, construction workers, ship breakers, clutch or brake liner workers, building renovators, mechanics come into contact with asbestos fibers directly. Indirect asbestos exposure takes place when family and friends of those who have been directly exposed come into contact with him.

Mesothelioma Cancer

When a person inhales fine asbestos fibers, the fibers settle and firmly stick to the lungs. Asbestos fibers in the hair or clothing of a person who is directly exposed to asbestos, can be passed to all those who come into contact with him. In general, mesothelioma cancer life expectancy is about 12-18 months with treatment, because it is almost always diagnosed when it has spread to incurable levels. It has been observed that it takes nearly 30 to 40 years after the initial exposure to asbestos, for mesothelioma to develop and show its severe effects.

Pleural mesothelioma cancer affects the lining surrounding the lungs (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer as over 80% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma suffer from it. Mild to severe chest pain, traces of blood in the sputum, constant cough, shortness of breath, wheezing while breathing, excess fluid around the lungs are some of the symptoms of this cancer. The median life expectancy for this type of mesothelioma is only 242 days.

Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer affects the lining surrounding the stomach. It is not very common as only 10 to 20% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer are found suffering from it. Tissue lumps in the abdomen, constant pain in the abdomen, nausea, sudden unexpected weight loss, constant diarrhea or constipation, excess fluid around the stomach, etc. are some of the symptoms of this cancer. The median life expectancy of mesothelioma cancer of this type is 5 to 13 months for untreated cases.

Pericardial mesothelioma cancer affects the lining surrounding the heart. It is the rarest type of cancer. Extremely few of those diagnosed with mesothelioma suffer from this cancer. Constant cough, chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath are some of the symptoms of this cancer. It is roughly estimated that the life expectancy of about 50 to 60 percent of pericardial mesothelioma patients is six months after diagnosis. Hardly one or two patients have survived for a year or more.

X rays, CT scan, MRI scan, etc., help diagnose this disease. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are the treatments available. These treatments just alleviate the symptoms and extend the life expectancy by a few months.

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy, for patients of mesothelioma, at the time of diagnosis is about one year. One of the major factors which influences the mesothelioma life expectancy is the stage to which the disease has advanced.

• Stage I: In this initial stage of mesothelioma, only one layer of the pleura is affected and the cancer may have spread to the pericardium or diaphragm. Studies show that 50% of the patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can live another 5 years if treated aggressively.
• Stage II: In this second stage, both layers of the pleura are seen affected by mesothelioma, on only one side of the body. The life expectancy for this stage can be about 2 to 4 years after diagnosis.
• Stage III: In this third stage, the cancer spreads to the chest wall, esophagus and lymph nodes on one side of the body. The life expectancy for this stage can be about 6-8 months.
• Stage IV: In this fourth or last stage of mesothelioma, the cancer spreads to other organs like brain, bones, lymph nodes, liver or to the other side of the body. Stage 4 mesothelioma cancer life expectancy is less than six months.

Scientists are researching on new ways and techniques to cure mesothelioma. Promising results have been noticed for the new treatments after numerous clinical trials. Individuals with any kind of asbestos exposure in the past, should consult the doctor immediately as the doctor can guide them on the latest techniques, equipment and treatments. The new technology is focusing on prolonging the mesothelioma life expectancy or even curing the cancer totally.