• Pericardial Mesothelioma
• Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
• Mesothelioma Prognosis
• Mesothelioma Treatment
• Mesothelioma Survivors

Mesothelioma Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma remains difficult and discouraging with its extended latency period and high mortality rate. The average life expectancy for patients affected by malignant mesothelioma is not more than a year from the first diagnosis. In males suffering from the disease or those struck with increased white-cell counts (therombocytosis), the prognosis is even more disappointing. Other indicators that can lead to a poor prognosis is the presence of some biochemical markers, increased vascularity or the existence of the SV40 virus in the tumor.

A patient's prognosis depends on a range of factors including the stage and intensity of the cancer's development, the histology of the disease, the metastasization of the cancer to other parts of the body, the patient's overall health/smoking habits, available treatment options/patient's response to various treatment options and other demographical factors.

Stage of Cancer – The stage at which the mesothelioma is diagnosed is one of the most significant factors affecting an individual's prognosis. If detected at an earlier stage, the oncologist can apply a series of curative treatments such as surgery to remove the tumor and stop the cells from growing. However, diagnosis at a later stage makes it impossible to administer combative curative treatments since the cancer has rapidly spread to other body parts. At this stage there are limited palliative treatment options which are directed towards reducing the patient's discomfort.

Demographics – The average age of people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma is about 60 years. This can be attributed to the long latency period of the disease due to which the actual symptoms of mesothelioma do not show up until the advanced stages. People below the age of 55 generally have a more positive prognosis than those above 55. The shortened life expectancy of the post-55 age group can be due to other health issues that come with advanced age. For some unexplained reason, women have also been found to have a better prognosis than men.

General Health of the Patient- The overall health and habits of the mesothelioma patient can also influence his/her prognosis to a great extent. This can include habits like excessive smoking, consumption of alcohol and an unhealthy diet. Regular smokers are more likely to develop faulty lungs and weak immune systems, making them more resistant to aggressive treatment methods. Other ailments can also hamper the application of various radical treatment techniques, thus negatively impacting the patient's prognosis.

Conventional and Alternative Treatment Methods – If strategized and administered in the right manner; a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery can have a positive bearing on the patient's life expectancy and quality of life. The oncologist will have to consider several factors before devising the most beneficial treatment plan for a mesothelioma patient. In addition to traditional treatment channels, a number of alternative therapies such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture and massage can considerably alleviate the patient's stress and improve his overall well-being.

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