The average mesothelioma life expectancy ranges from 12 to 21 months, but many people may live much longer with the disease. Some patients have doubled or tripled their life expectancies by finding the right doctor for their diagnosis. The best way to increase life expectancy may be to explore treatment options with an experienced specialist.
Life expectancy is a survival statistic for how long someone is estimated to live with mesothelioma, while prognosis may offer explanations on how life may be impacted with and without treatment. Mesothelioma life expectancy and prognosis can change based on the doctor’s treatment plan and how well the patient responds to it.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, although some patients have been able to go into short-term remission. Mesothelioma caught in an early stage has a better prognosis with more treatment options available compared with later stages, leading to a better chance of long-term survival. Additionally, maintaining good overall health can improve prognosis.
Stages of Mesothelioma
Understanding the stages of mesothelioma will likely a determining factor prognosis. The stage is only a reflection of the mesothelioma spread/growth by the time it is diagnosed. Some mesothelioma victims do not have significant symptoms at earlier stages or symptoms may be misdiagnosed in the early stages. However, if for some reason mesothelioma is discovered through routine imaging or other surgery, patients may have a better prognosis than those in the advanced mesothelioma stages. Early detection might mean that more mesothelioma treatment options may be available, like surgery, that might not be an option in later stages.
Mesothelioma Stage I Prognosis
Patient diagnosis at Stage I may offer the best prognosis since there may be more treatment options for consideration. Mesothelioma life expectancy averages around 21 months, with much longer survivorship possible with some treatment options.
Mesothelioma Stage II Prognosis
Diagnosis at this stage of mesothelioma, in which cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the prognosis remains good. It is easier to diagnose mesothelioma at this stage because of larger tumor size and more physical symptoms. The median survival for this stage is around 19 months without treatment.
Mesothelioma Stage III Prognosis
The prognosis for Stage III mesothelioma is less positive because cancer has spread throughout the affected region and treatment options may be limited. The median life expectancy at this stage is around 18 months without treatment.
Mesothelioma Stage IV Prognosis
Given the spread of cancer to distant organs, the prognosis for Stage IV mesothelioma is poor. The average life expectancy is less than one year. We have hired some of the most experienced investigators. They will figure out where you were exposed.
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