Mesothelioma is a rare lung cancer that has been linked to the inhalation of asbestos. While each case of mesothelioma is unique, the general prognosis for the illness is poor. However, the ultimate outlook for a patient will vary depending on the type of mesothelioma he or she has been diagnosed with, as well as other factors.
Survival Averages for Mesothelioma
Like most cancers, the survival rate of mesothelioma can vary depending on the stage in which it is diagnosed. Unfortunately, the nature of the illness typically results in late-stage diagnosis. As one might expect, this reduces the average length of suvival. This fact, combined with the fact that mesothelioma is a rare disease, has resulted in a lack of reliable statistics beyond 5-year survival rates.
However, there is a fair amount of statistics present for shorter diagnostic time frames. From the date of diagnosis, the general prognosis for a mesothelioma patient is in the range of 12 to 14 months of survival.
If the cancer is caught early enough to warrant surgical removal of the tumor, then this time frame may be extended.
Regardless of the initial prognosis, statistics show that:
- 4 out of 10 mesothelioma patients survive more than one year past diagnosis
- 2 out of 10 mesothelioma patients survive more than two years past diagnosis
- 1 out of 10 mesothelioma patients survive more than three years past diagnosis
- 8 out of 100 mesothelioma patients survive more than five years past diagnosis
Again, these statistics are generalizations. Factors such as patient age, health and extent of cancer growth can all affect survival rates significantly.
