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Life Expectancy after Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Catherine A. Murphy

Chemotherapy so far, is the only treatment to improve the survival rate expectancy for mesothelioma patients. This therapy has shown significant improvement from a life expectancy of 10 months to a little over 13 months. Chemotherapy along with other aggressive treatments and surgeries is showing remarkable results.

Mesothelioma Detection and Prognosis

Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma can be detected with a chest X-ray and CT scan, and can be confirmed with a biopsy and microscopic exam. Patients can undergo various aggressive treatments to extend their life-span and comfort. Despite extensive research, experiments and treatments, the disease is not curable and the life expectancy after mesothelioma chemotherapy for patients is very poor.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• Fluid between the lung and chest wall
• Pain in the chest area
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Constant fatigue
• Pain in the abdomen

Increased Mortality Rate among Mesothelioma Patients

Mesothelioma is usually not detected until the latest stages because patients do not show immediate signs of mesothelioma. Also, the symptoms of mesothelioma are very common and often get misdiagnosed for less severe conditions. As a result, mesothelioma treatment is delayed resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. Once the cancer has spread and reached stage three or four, treatment options decreases and the disease becomes more difficult to treat. Treatments including surgery is no longer an option and may not be effective during this critical stage increasing mortality rate among mesothelioma patients.

Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is addressed in four stages. Stages three and four limits the options available for treatment and treatments is also less effective at this point. In addition to the different stages of mesothelioma, other factors that may affect the prognosis include:

• Age of patient
• When the cancer was detected
• Treatment received
• Type of mesothelioma
• The location and size of the tumor
• Other health-related illnesses
• Whether or not the patient is a smoker
• Patient’s diet

Chemotherapy is improving the life expectancy of mesothelioma sufferers. This is wonderful news for mesothelioma patients and their families.

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