Your Prognosis After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
It can be crippling to hear that you or a family member have a deadly form of cancer known as mesothelioma. The life expectancy for someone with mesothelioma differs greatly depending on several factors including the stage of the disease, the person’s age, and their health. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is generally in your best interest to discuss your case with an attorney.
At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, we are nationally recognized for our work with mesothelioma victims. Our lawyers have secured multiple multi-million dollar recoveries for individuals and their families who have been harmed due to asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office at (888) 367-7160 to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer most commonly attributed to asbestos exposure. The cancer destroys the protective lining around the lungs, heart, and stomach. Tragically, mesothelioma has a low long-term survival rate and thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year.Â
What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone With Mesothelioma?
The life expectancy of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma depends on a number of factors but only around 10% of patients live for 3 or more years post-diagnosis.
According to the Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center, the survival rate for a person diagnosed with mesothelioma is around 4 to 18 months. The good news is that treatments are improving and helping to increase the survival rate for patients.Â
What Factors Affect a Person’s Survival Rate?
Multiple things can affect a mesothelioma victim's prognosis and survival rate. Many of them depend on an early diagnosis of the disease and a person’s overall health.
The Abramson Cancer Center suggests the following factors may affect a person’s life expectancy after a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis:
- Type of disease (epithelial, sarcomatoid, and biphasic)
- Location of the disease (pleural or peritoneal)
- Stage of the cancer at diagnosis
- Patient’s overall health
- Treatment options
Other factors including the patient’s age and activity level can also impact their survival rate. An early diagnosis can help improve a person’s prognosis and ensure that there are more treatment options available.Â
What Are the Treatment Options for Mesothelioma?
Treatment options for mesothelioma differ depending on the stage of the disease and the health of the patient.
The National Cancer Institute has named five standard forms of treatment for mesothelioma:
- Surgical treatments (i.e. pleurectomy and decortication)
- Radiation therapy (generally external radiation therapy)
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy (usually immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy)
- Targeted therapy
In addition to these standard treatments, there are also new types of treatment being tested each year. Mesothelioma patients may be eligible for clinical trials which may find innovative ways to treat the disease
What Resources Are Available for People With Mesothelioma?
After a diagnosis of mesothelioma, you or your loved one may feel overwhelmed, confused, and somewhat lost. In addition to your medical team, there are also a number of online resources that might help.
Resources available for people with mesothelioma:
- National Cancer Institute
- Clinical Trials Information
- Mayo Clinic
- Mesothelioma Research Foundation for America
- Legal Representation for Mesothelioma Victims
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you might be entitled to compensation. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to determine your legal options.
Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Were you or a loved one diagnosed with mesothelioma? Contact our office at (888) 367-7160 to schedule a free consultation. Let our lawyers fight for you and your family!
