Mesothelioma Life Expectancy Rates

Mesothelioma is a rare (uncommon) form of cancer that affects the lining around the chest, abdominal or heart cavities. Mesothelioma is primarily linked with exposure to asbestos. Most often, exposure occurs occupationally where asbestos is inhaled or ingested. Exposure can also occur to family members and in other ways, such as in the home, school or environment.

There can be a long delay between exposure and the onset of the disease, anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Even short term exposure can cause development of mesothelioma decades later. Diagnosing this form of cancer is difficult because the symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other common illnesses. Therefore, it can take up to 9 months from (time initial symptoms appeared and) presenting symptoms to diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Worldwide, the incidence of mesothelioma is increasing and is not expected to decline until the year 2020. An estimated 3000 people per year are affected by mesothelioma in the United States alone.

The following information is based on statistical data that may not apply to an individual case. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the best course of action is to consult with an oncologist who specializes in occupational diseases.

Generally speaking, survival rates for mesothelioma patients have generally been poor. The median survival rate has been 6 months to 15 months. Life expectancy five years post-diagnosis is less than ten percent. Survival rate refers to the life expectancy of a person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Often oncologists will use the term “5 year survival rate.” This refers to the number of patients who participated in a research study and were still alive (still surviving the disease) five years after diagnosis.

Survival rates depend on many individual factors, so these statistics may not apply to you. Staging, time of diagnosis, and the type of mesothelioma also affect prognosis. Another factor is the size of the tumor and whether it can be completely removed surgically (removed completely by surgery). In addition, age, overall health, and how a patient responds to treatment affect outcomes.

Research into survival rates for mesothelioma patients is extensive. Unfortunately, at this time mesothelioma is an incurable disease and is almost always fatal. Newer treatments and techniques for earlier diagnosis are beginning to lead to longer life expectancy. New diagnostic measures and anticancer drugs are extending survival times. A combination treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, referred to as trimodal therapy, has been shown to increase length of survival as well.

Again, statistical mesothelioma survival rates are based on large groups of people and can not be used to predict any particular case. Please consult with a mesothelioma doctor or special cancer care center that has extensive expertise if you have been diagnosed with or suspect you may have this particular type of cancer.

Author Sally Clapper represents the law offices of Clapper, Patti, Schweizer, … Mason. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact one of our asbestos cancer lawyers at 1-800-440-4262. A mesothelioma attorney is ready to help you today.