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All forms of cancer present their own set of symptoms, treatments, and prognoses. One of the most serious forms of cancer is Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the mesothelium, the lining around the body’s internal organs. Usually, the disease starts in the mesothelium near the lungs, called the pleural cavity. Because of this, mesothelioma shares many symptoms with lung cancer, but is actually a much different disease in almost every way. Mesothelioma can also form in, or spread to, other parts of the body. The second most common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a mesothelioma cancer that forms in the lining of the abdomen. The only currently known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to the material known as asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material which is extremely flexible and resistant to fire and heat. Also, in the past, it was typically cheap and easy to obtain. It was used in abundance in the early half of the 20th century. Now, since the link to mesothelioma has been established, asbestos is used only very limitedly. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer known today. It has a latency period of up to several decades, meaning its symptoms may not be visible until the disease is in its much later stages. Life Expectancy and Survival Rates Sadly, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma. However, several treatment plans exist to ease the pain brought on by the disease and to increase both the quality and length of life. According to the American Thoracic Society, the median survival rate for malignant mesothelioma ranges from six months to 18 months. Those with pleural mesothelioma appear to have a longer life expectancy than those who have peritoneal mesothelioma. According to one study of pleural mesothelioma, patients had a median survival rate of ten months. Those with peritoneal mesothelioma had a median survival rate of only four months. There are rare cases of mesothelioma patients surviving for more than five years after diagnosis. This is generally done by taking advantage of one of the several advanced forms of medical treatment plans and being diagnosed early, while the disease is still in its earliest stages. Treatment Plans to Increase Life Expectancy Treatment plans for mesothelioma are very similar to those of other forms of cancer, albeit not always as effective. Surgery may be used as a treatment plan; however, it is a very risky procedure and may not be the most beneficial. For mesothelioma surgery to be effective in cases of pleural mesothelioma, the surgery must occur while disease is still in its first stage. In the first stage, before the disease begins to spread and remains in the mesothelium, the membrane lining of the lungs may be removed completely. If the disease is in a later stage, the patient’s entire lung may be removed as well. This could substantially slow the cancer, but is also a very risky and expensive surgery. Even when successful, only about one in ten patients survive past the five year mark. Other forms of treatment commonly used in cases of mesothelioma include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In patients who have early stage mesothelioma, combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy appears to have promising results. These patients often see an increase in life expectancy in comparison to other approaches. Currently, many researchers are in the process of developing new treatment plans designed specifically for mesothelioma, as the current plans are based off treatment plans for other forms of cancer. Some of these alternative treatments show promising results in terms of increasing life expectancy and may be the first effective steps on the road to a definite cure for mesothelioma. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek medical treatment immediately. The earlier the disease is discovered, the better the prognosis and the better the quality of life for the patient. Though the disease is currently incurable, it is still important that the patient and his or her loved ones remain positive and hopeful. Though time may be limited, helping that individual maintain a strong quality of life is still possible. Mesothelioma cancer patient resource with questions and answers about Mesothelioma Life Expectancy and Survival Rate, a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
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