Mesothelioma Life Span

The life span of those diagnosed with mesothelioma is typically poor due to the severe latency period associated with the disease. In most cases, patients do not experience symptoms until at least 20 years have passed since the initial exposure to asbestos occurred, resulting in a late diagnosis. Another reason for the poor life span is the fact that there is no definitive cure. However, many patients elect to undergo treatment to combat the cancer, improve their quality of life and relieve symptoms.

Improving Life Span

The average life span for a newly-diagnosed mesothelioma patient ranges from four to 18 months. While treatments are commonly used to help with symptoms and provide comfort, they can also be utilized to prolong the length of a patient’s life. One such treatment is radiation therapy, which is used to slow the spread of the cancerous tumor. This particular type of treatment can also be used during chemotherapy, another common treatment option, and after surgery.

If mesothelioma cancer is diagnosed in the early stages of development, surgery to remove the tumor may be an option, but may not prevent the cancer from coming back. Other treatments that may be helpful for mesothelioma patients are alternative therapies, including acupuncture, massage, meditation, hypnosis, yoga and aromatherapy. Outside of traditional remedies for treating mesothelioma, patients may be interested in participating clinical trials that test new drugs and treatments.

Smoking cigarettes is something all mesothelioma patients should avoid after being diagnosed. Multiple studies have shown that smoking cigarettes can significantly decrease the life span and weaken the patient’s ability to fight the disease. Smoking cigarettes has also been proven to block air passages, making breathing even more difficult. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma are strongly encouraged by doctors to stop or not smoke cigarettes as it can make their condition worse.

The life span of a mesothelioma patient is largely determined by the age, health and type of mesothelioma cancer. While pleural mesothelioma is the most common, other forms of mesothelioma that can result from exposure to asbestos include peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma. The latency period for these diseases can range between 20 and 50 years. Those who suspect they have been exposed to asbestos should seek routine medical checkups for asbestos-related diseases.