Whether diagnosed with mesothelioma or another form of cancer, the first thing that comes to mind is the survival rate. Some forms of mesothelioma are more aggressive than others, and the prognosis will depend on the progression of the disease as well as the type and location. Here is some basic information on mesothelioma and survival rates.

Types

Mesothelioma is a general diagnosis that include any 1 of 3 different types. Epithelial mesothelioma refers to forms that have a definite cell structure, and appear in the mesothelial cells. This malignant form of mesothelioma accounts for more than 50% of all reported cases. The survival rate is higher for epithelial mesothelioma than other types.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a form that affects the lubricative layer in the abdomen and chest. It can also affect other internal organs, but is most common in the lungs, abdomen, and heart. The cell structure is random. This accounts for approximately 15% of diagnosed mesothelioma cases. This is harder to treat, but when caught early treatments are available. The other 35% of cases are of a mixed type of mesothelioma cells.

Primary Locations

The location of the mesothelioma cells will have a lot to do with treatment options and survival as well. For example, mesothelioma that attacks the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) is only found in less than 15% of diagnosed patients, and is hard to catch and treat. On the other hand, mesothelioma found in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) accounts for most of the diagnosed cases, and has a better survival rate since it’s easier to find and treat.

Metastasis Rates

When a cancer metastasizes, it spreads to areas away from the location of the original cancer cells. Once this starts to happen the prognosis for survival decreases since more areas are affected by the cells. When a diagnosis is made, the specialist will try to determine where, if any, metastasis is occurring. They will also look at the rate that this is happening. The faster the metastasis, the lower the survival rate is.

Overall Health

Another consideration that is taken when trying to find a survival rate is the general health of the patient. In simplest terms, the younger and healthier a patient is, the higher the chances of survival. Those who are elderly, or have other conditions that can weaken their organs or immune system, may have a lower survival rate.

The Numbers

There is no magic number to determine how many years one can live with mesothelioma. The average survival rate is around 1 year. However, healthier patients with aggressive treatments can live 10 years beyond the diagnosis, although even a 5 year survival only occurs in approximately 10% of those diagnosed. The bottom line is the doctors will need to go over all of the patients history and form a treatment plan before a prognosis can be given.