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Survival Rates for Malignant Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer that affects the membranes that cover the organs in the abdomen, lung and heart cavities. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Most exposures occur when asbestos is inhaled or ingested on a work site where the substance has become airborne. Exposure can also occur in homes, school, and environmentally.
There can be a long delay between exposure and the onset of the disease, anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Even short term exposure can cause development of mesothelioma decades later. Diagnosing this form of cancer is difficult because the symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other common illnesses. Therefore, it can take up to 9 months from (time initial symptoms appeared and) presenting symptoms to diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Worldwide, the incidence of mesothelioma is increasing and is not expected to decline until the year 2020. An estimated 3000 people per year are affected by mesothelioma in the United States alone.
The statistical information included in this article is based on general information and should not be used to evaluate any particular case. Consulting with a mesothelioma specialist or care center is highly recommended if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with the disease.
Generally speaking, survival rates for mesothelioma patients have generally been poor. The median survival rate has been 6 months to 15 months. Life expectancy five years post-diagnosis is less than ten percent. Survival rate refers to the life expectancy of a person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Often oncologists will use the term "5 year survival rate." This refers to the number of patients who participated in a research study and were still alive (still surviving the disease) five years after diagnosis.
Many factors influence life expectancy so these statistics may vary in individual cases. Survival times are affected by type of mesothelioma, stage of the disease, and time of diagnosis. Other factors include how advanced the cancer has become, the size of tumors, and whether they can be surgically removed. Age and overall health of patients, as well as responses to treatments, also affect times of survival.
A number of studies investigating survival rate among mesothelioma patients have been made. Unfortunately, without any known cure, mesothelioma is always fatal. Promising research, however, is showing evidence that newer therapies and earlier diagnosis are leading to extended survival times. Several new anti-tumor agents as well as diagnostic tests are leading to better results. Trimodal treatments, combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, seem to yield the best life expectancy outcomes.
Keep in mind that survival rates based on statistics from a large number of patients does not determine any individual case. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or show symptoms of the disease, please consult with a cancer specialist or center that has expertise with this particular form of cancer.
About the Author Sally Clapper is a representative for the mesothelioma lawyers Clapper, Patti, Schweizer ... Mason, one of the leading plaintiffs' mesothelioma law firms in the nation. The firm's asbestos lawyers have been representing people with mesothelioma throughout the United States for over 25 years.
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