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Reasons For Negative Mesothelioma Prognosis
Mesothelioma prognosis is devastating for the victims and their near and dear ones. The reasons for these are wide and varied. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which infects the mesothelium, the protective covering of vital internal organs. Over exposure to asbestos is the cause for contracting the cancer. This exposure can be either from work places or asbestos quarries. Any way the effect of infection varies from person to person depending on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, the capacity of the body to give positive response to the treatment and the age and overall health of the victim.
The first reason for negative mesothelioma prognosis is that the disease lies inactive for several decades before the symptoms arrive. By that time the cancer may have even reached vital organs like lungs, abdomen or heart. Doctors categorize mesothelioma into four stages. The first two stages are relatively easy to treat, but the prognosis of stage 3 and 4 are not bright enough. In many cases, mesothelioma infection is detected only when the patient visits the clinic for other physical illnesses.
Secondly, being a rare cancer, many cancer centers and cancer specialists do not possess the required expertise to treat mesothelioma. Researches are still on to find a successful treatment for advanced mesothelioma. For stage III and IV, presently, the emphasis is only to alleviate pain and provide a better and comfortable environment for the patient.
There are three types of this cancer, the pleural, the peritoneal and the pericardial mesothelioma. The pleural type is the most common but the most easily curable. This cancer affects the lining of the abdomen and lungs and can be removed through insistent treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal and lung cavities and is more dangerous. The third type, the pericardial mesothelioma, affects the heart area and is definitely a killer. Many doctors misdiagnose the type of mesothelioma and thereby reduce the chances of mesothelioma survival.
Mesothelioma prognosis has become better these days due to the advent of several modern treatments like gene therapy, multimodality treatment, photodynamic therapy etc. But still, most mesothelioma patients get their lives extended by only several weeks to five years depending on the state and type of the cancer affecting him or her.
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