* Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Doctors and researchers have attempted to improve the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients for decades. While there is no definitive cure available for mesothelioma, patients may choose to undergo treatment that may improve life expectancy and enhance their overall quality of life.
Life Expectancy Factors
Mesothelioma is a cancer most notably caused by asbestos exposure. The life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient may be impacted by a number of aspects, including latency period of symptoms, age at diagnosis, type of diagnosis and certain prognosis factors such as gender, histology and cigarette smoking.
Staging
The exact stage of the cancer upon diagnosis has a direct impact on life expectancy. The primary factors that help define the stage of mesothelioma include symptoms and metastasis (spreading of the cancer).
Stage l
Cancer is localized. Surgery may be able to remove tumors and prognosis is highest.Stage ll
Cancer has spread beyond point of origin. Surgery may still be an option, but life expectancy is decreased.Stage lll
Cancer has progressed to advanced stage of development. Palliative treatments to ease symptoms may be considered.Stage lV
Cancer has spread to distant locations. Palliative treatments can improve comfort, but life expectancy is severely decreased.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis / Type of Mesothelioma
There are two major types of mesothelioma. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which impacts the lining of the lungs. The other major type is peritoneal mesothelioma and this form affects the lining of the abdomen. Although rare, documented cases of pericardial and testicular mesothelioma have been reported. Your prognosis may vary depending on the type of cancer that is diagnosed.
Histology
The histological subtype is one of the most important prognosis factors for malignant mesothelioma. Patients with epithelioid mesothelioma have a much better life expectancy than those with a sarcomatoid or biphasic (mixed) subtype.
Latency Period
The severe latency period associated with the onset of symptoms may result in a late diagnosis. When referencing mesothelioma, latency period is defined as the period of time between exposure to asbestos and the moment the cancer become noticeable. Mesothelioma patients diagnosed in the later stages of development will often receive treatment to ease pain and discomfort rather than try to cure the disease.
Other Factors
A mesothelioma patient's life expectancy may also be affected by demographic and lifestyle factors, such as:
Gender
Males are predominantly affected by mesothelioma cancer.
Age
75 percent of mesothelioma cases in the United States occur in men age 55 or older.
Smoking
Smokers are 90% more likely to develop lung cancer after asbestos exposure.
Prolonging Life Expectancy
There are a number of options for patients to relieve symptoms and extend their life expectancy. Patients can elect to undergo treatment to combat the disease, remove the cancer or kill cancerous cells, reduce pain or manage metastasis. Some factors that may improve life expectancy include:
5-Year Relative Survival (Percent) 1999-2006
Age at Diagnosis
< 45
39.7%
45-54
15.7%
55-64
7.5%
65-74
6.0%
75+
2.7%
Source: SEER Cancer Incidence Report
Treatment Factors
There are a number of options for patients to relieve symptoms and prolong life expectancy. Patients can elect to undergo treatment to remove the cancer, kill cancerous cells, reduce pain or manage metastasis. Some treatments that may improve life expectancy include:
Traditional Treatment:
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the three forms of traditional treatment currently available to extend life expectancy. Tests to diagnose mesothelioma in its earliest stage of development are also being explored to enhance the effectiveness of current traditional treatments.
Non-Traditional Treatment:
Therapies such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, photodynamic therapy and hormonal therapy are a class of experimental treatments. These therapies have improved life expectancy in some patients, but are only available through clinical trials since they are still in an experimental stage of medical testing.
Alternative Treatment:
A selection of mesothelioma patients have benefitted from alternative or complimentary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, massage and yoga. These alternative therapies may reduce stress, pain and improve quality of life.
Clinical Trials
Mesothelioma researchers are testing new medications and treatment approaches throughclinical trials with the hope of improving life expectancy. Clinical trials allow patients to take advantage of new treatments that may extend survival, but may also come with an element of risk.
Nutrition
A number of dietary changes can affect a cancer patient’s life expectancy. Considering nutrition in the treatment plan could have positive impacts on pain, stress levels and response to treatment. The Mesothelioma Center offers a complimentary nutrition book to mesothelioma patients looking to learn more about diet and cancer.
Patients who are searching for a second opinion or an experienced mesothelioma doctor can contact the Doctor Match department at the Mesothelioma Center to learn more about their options depending upon their unique diagnosis and location. To take advantage of this complimentary service, please call the Doctor Match department at (800) 549-0544.
Source : http://www.asbestos.com
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