It can be scary to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, the rare type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. One of the top questions that people ask regarding mesothelioma is, “How long will I live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma?” Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer, and, unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. However, the good news is that people with mesothelioma can extend their life expectancies well beyond their initial prognosis with treatment.
Mesothelioma Life Expectancies
Mesothelioma life expectancy is a medical professional’s prediction regarding how long you have to live after a mesothelioma diagnosis. A mesothelioma patient’s life expectancy is an important part of their prognosis.
Therefore, how long you will live after a mesothelioma diagnosis is dependent on several factors, particularly the type of mesothelioma you have. But the average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients varies from about six months to five or more years.
Life Expectancy for People With Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lungs’ lining. According to research, a person with pleural mesothelioma can live an average of 12 to 21 months.
Life Expectancy for People With Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Research suggests that peritoneal mesothelioma patients live five or more years after being diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer that occurs in the tissue lining the abdomen.
Life Expectancy for People With Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is quite rare. This subtype of mesothelioma affects the heart’s lining. The average life expectancy of patients with pericardial mesothelioma is around six to 10 months.
Life Expectancy for People With Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma is also quite rare. According to research, the life expectancy of people with this type of mesothelioma is usually not less than two years.
Other Factors That Affect Life Expectancy of Mesothelioma Patients
The following are some of the other factors that affect the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients.
Age at Diagnosis
Many studies have shown that younger mesothelioma patients tend to live longer than older mesothelioma patients. Often, younger patients qualify for more treatments and clinical trials and are healthier than older patients.
Overall Health of Patient
A mesothelioma patient with no or few additional health issues may live longer than a patient with issues like diabetes, asbestosis, and high blood pressure.
Smoking can also impact life expectancy after a mesothelioma diagnosis. However, it is crucial to note that smoking is not a known cause of mesothelioma.
Whether or Not the Patient Seeks Treatment
Patients who seek treatment for their mesothelioma tend to live longer than those who do not seek treatment. Therefore, after a mesothelioma diagnosis, you should seek treatment. Some of the available mesothelioma treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. A mesothelioma attorney can help you recover financial compensation that can help you cover your medical costs.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.