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Mesothelioma Survival Rate

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a life changing event. The survival rate is usually determined by the percentage of patients who live another five years after diagnosis. Statistics show that the five-year survival rate for asbestos cancer is approximately 10 percent. The average life expectancy ranges between four and 18 months. Survival rates for mesothelioma patients are extremely low because the cancer is detected in later stages when curative treatments are not a viable option.

What Is Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a severe form of cancer that attacks the protective lining surrounding the body's internal organs. This rare disease usually starts in the chest cavity, but it can also develop in the heart or abdomen. Most individuals who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to high concentrations of asbestos for long periods of time. Mesothelioma takes up to 50 years to develop, which is why treatment options are quite limited.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

This deadly form of cancer occurs in people who have swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers. When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibers that can be breathed into the lungs. These tiny particles travel through the lung tissue and cause inflammation. Some fibers stick in the digestive system and affect the thin membrane covering the abdominal cavity.

Plumbers, electricians, construction workers, engineers and shipbuilders have been exposed to asbestos at the workplace. Many of those who have worked with asbestos-containing materials are now suffering from asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma. Even those who have not been directly exposed to asbestos can develop this rare disease. Mesothelioma often occurs in people who lived near chemical plants and asbestos factories.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

More than 2,500 people are diagnosed with asbestos cancer each year. It can take a long time–20 to 50 years–between being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma. This aggressive disease has nonspecific symptoms such as weight loss, chest pain, chronic cough, night sweats, anemia, fever, hoarseness, and shortness of breath. Pleural mesothelioma starts in the lungs and causes pleural effusion, dyspnea, and breathing difficulties.

Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma suffer from:

  • Abdominal Swelling
  • Digestion Problems
  • Severe Abdominal Pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

This form of cancer attacks the lining of the abdomen. In late stages, peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to bowel obstruction.

Survival Rates for Mesothelioma Patients

Any patient who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma wants to know how long he or she is going to live. Mesothelioma survival rate is based on several factors such as the extent of the cancer, size of the tumor, and symptoms. The patient's age and medical history should be considered as well.

Approximately 39 percent of mesothelioma patients live one year after diagnosis. Less than 20 percent of them live another two years. About 10 percent of patients live four years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The average survival rate cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient. As treatment options improve, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma have more chances of survival.

Enter your information in the form above to receive free information about the best mesothelioma specialists. If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to learn more about the symptoms associated with this form of cancer. Detecting mesothelioma in early stages will increase your life expectancy significantly.