The survival rate of mesothelioma patients is poor – only around 40 percent survive it. Many people who develop it live for only one or two years. It has a low cure rate, with the average life expectancy of less than five years. Fortunately, advances in medicine are improving that statistic. However, mesothelioma still has a bleak outlook.
There are three types of mesothelioma, the two most common being the epithelioid type and the more rare sarcomatoid type. The severity of the disease at the time of diagnosis can greatly affect the prognosis. Fortunately, there is a good chance of recovery for most people with mesothelioma. Read on to learn more about the types of mesotheliomc treatments.
Mesothelioma begins in the layers of the lung, although the disease may also start in the peritoneum, which covers organs in the abdomen. When it reaches stage III, the cancer has spread to other organs and compromised the patient’s vital systems. This stage of mesothelioma is more aggressive and has a worse prognosis.
The most common mesothelioma diagnosis is pleural, which accounts for 80 percent of cases. Survivors of this form will typically live for 18 months or longer after diagnosis. The peritoneal type, on the other hand, has a lower survival rate and is more difficult to treat. The thoracotomy method is also an effective treatment option, as it is the most common type of mesothelioma.
Generally, mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and the patient’s prognosis will depend on the location of the cancer. In most cases, the condition has a low risk of recurrence. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include weight loss, gastrointestinal problems, and other symptoms. Some cases may be very advanced, and doctors may prescribe chemotherapy.
Despite the low prognosis, the disease is extremely curable. There are two types of mesothelioma. The diffuse type can affect the pericardium. Its life expectancy is ten to twenty years. If the cancer is treated early, it can be cured. When the symptoms are not severe, patients may live up to 20 years. There is no cure for this type of mesothelioma, but it does mean they have a good chance of survival.
As with other forms of cancer, mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer. Symptoms of the disease are similar to those of a variety of other illnesses. While the disease is rare, it can affect people who have been exposed to asbestos. Consequently, it is important to find out whether the symptoms are due to mesothelioma.