Mesothelioma Prognosis

Mesotheliomaprognosis.org was developed with the intent of providing support and information for those diagnosed with mesothelioma, as well as their family and loved ones. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that has been closely linked with exposure to asbestos is currently no known cure. Over the past two decades, physicians, researchers and scientists have sought more knowledge about this disease. As more medical information is available not only be able to diagnose this cancer in its early stages, but can also provide more extensive treatment options and healing. This information would also benefit patients directly, used to promote optimism and improving your overall sense of well being.

Prognosis Overview

After being diagnosed with mesothelioma a patient’s doctor or specialist will discuss their prognosis and treatment options with them. Prognosis refers to the likely outcome of the patient’s particular case. Prognosis will also include the patient’s life expectancy, which is dependent upon several factors:
• Cancer type
• Location and size of tumor
• Cell type
• Cancer stage at the time of diagnosis
• Patient ability to receive and respond to treatment
• Patient’s age and overall health
• Amount cancer has metastasized
With regard to mesothelioma, the prognosis is usually unfavorable due to the cancer latency period long. Malignant mesothelioma is often dormant in the body two to five decades after asbestos exposure, resulting in the diagnosis do not occur until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. The latter stages of mesothelioma are generally characterized by the disease that spread to other organs and systems outside the point of origin. This growth and tumor metastasis is responsible for lower success rates of treatment that may also affect the prognosis.

The prognosis of a doctor of his patient depends on several factors including the type, location and size of tumor, staging, metastasis and overall patient health.

Staging

Staging is directly related to a patient’s prognosis, as the stage of the cancer will greatly determine the treatment options available. Mesothelioma, due to its aforementioned latency period, is usually not diagnosed until the cancer is in an advanced stage. There are three distinct staging systems that can be utilized to determine the progression of mesothelioma: the Brigham system, the Butchart staging system, and the TNM system. All three of these systems order the stages one through four, increasing in severity. In stage I of mesothelioma the tumor has yet to spread to other areas of the body and surgery remains an option. As the stages progress and metastases occurs, surgical treatments become less and less likely, affecting prognosis.

Improving Patient Prognosis


There is steady progress in efforts to research and diagnostic tests associated with mesothelioma. New therapies are also under development, serving as a palliative and curative treatments intended to supplement more traditional modes of treatment of cancer. Recently, the Division of Thoracic Surgery and the Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts studied 636 patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. The results indicated that those who had extrapleural pneumonectomy (an aggressive surgical procedure) experienced an extended survival compared with those who underwent less invasive forms of treatment.

Legal Options


A diagnosis of mesothelioma is most often linked to asbestos exposure occurring in either the workplace or home through the use of—or proximity to—materials containing the hazardous mineral. Following diagnosis there can be an overwhelming sense of emotion, as well as mounting medical bills and related financial obligations. Patients, upon learning their prognosis, may also be concerned with the future of their family and loved ones. Fortunately, there are legal options available for mesothelioma victims to assist them in receiving just compensation.

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