Life expectancy for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, treatment options, overall health, age, and other individual characteristics.
There are several types of mesothelioma, with the most common being pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the lungs), peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the abdomen), pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the heart), and testicular mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the testicles).
Life expectancy can vary by type:
- Pleural Mesothelioma: This is the most common type. Life expectancy can vary widely based on the stage at diagnosis and the overall health of the individual. On average, with treatment, the life expectancy for pleural mesothelioma can range from around 12 to 21 months. However, some patients live longer, especially with aggressive treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Life expectancy for peritoneal mesothelioma tends to be slightly longer compared to pleural mesothelioma. Innovative treatments such as cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have shown promising results, with some patients surviving several years post-diagnosis. Average survival with treatment can range from 1 to 5 years or more, depending on various factors.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: This type affects the lining around the heart and is extremely rare. Due to its location and aggressive nature, pericardial mesothelioma often leads to a poorer prognosis. Life expectancy can be quite short, often measured in months, and treatment options may be limited.
- Testicular Mesothelioma: This type is exceedingly rare and tends to have a better prognosis compared to other types of mesothelioma. Surgical resection of the tumor is the primary treatment, and some patients have survived for many years after diagnosis.
It’s crucial to note that these estimates are general and each case is unique. Factors like the stage at diagnosis, overall health, treatment response, and access to advanced therapies significantly impact individual outcomes.
Consulting with a medical professional experienced in treating mesothelioma is essential for understanding specific prognoses and available treatment options tailored to an individual’s circumstances.