Content Reviewed By:
John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- October 30, 2024
- Understanding the Outlook for Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis
- Factors That Play a Role in Mesothelioma Prognoses
- What Is the Survival Rate of People Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
- Can a Mesothelioma Prognosis Be Improved?
- When Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?
- Contact Our Attorneys for Information About Mesothelioma Prognosis and Life Expectancy
Understanding the Outlook for Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis
How long do you live with mesothelioma? Unfortunately, mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable form of cancer that, while it can be treated, cannot be eradicated. As a result, after diagnosis, life expectancy with mesothelioma is 14 to 22 months. The median life expectancy of mesothelioma patients is 15 months, but the specifics of any given situation will play a large role in how long and how comfortably a patient can live with mesothelioma. While some advanced cases will result in a life expectancy of just a few months, other patients continue living for years with mesothelioma.
Your or your loved one’s doctor will be able to provide a mesothelioma prognosis and life expectancy specifically tailored to the circumstances at hand. This will also play a key role in the type of treatment your or your loved one’s doctor recommends.
To learn more, enlist the help of our talented mesothelioma attorneys.
Factors That Play a Role in Mesothelioma Prognoses
As previously mentioned, each individual patient will receive an individualized mesothelioma prognosis and life expectancy. There are many factors doctors take into account that go into these. Some of the key factors include:
- The Stage of the Cancer: While earlier stages of mesothelioma have a better outlook, more advanced states of cancer will lead to a poorer prognosis
- The Type of Cancer: There are several different types of mesothelioma; certain types (such as peritoneal) have a better prognosis than others (like pleural)
- The Type of Cancer Cell: Again, like the type of cancer itself, the type of cancer cells play a role in the overall prognosis, as some are associated with a better outlook.
- The Age and Gender of the Patient: Younger patients typically have a better mesothelioma prognosis and women tend to live longer, though the reasons for this are unknown.
- The Type of Treatment: Different mesothelioma treatments are linked with different prognoses; your doctor can help you determine which treatment may be best.
What Is the Survival Rate of People Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
“Five-year survival rate,” in medical terms, refers to the percentage of patients who live five years or longer after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. These rates are determined by looking at the number of patients who, after being diagnosed with a specific type of mesothelioma, go on to live for at least five more years. Though every case is different and all situations are unique, these numbers are fairly accurate due to the large numbers of people diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States every year. The various five-year survival rates for different types of mesothelioma are:
- Pleural mesothelioma: 10%
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: 52% (with specific treatment)
- Pericardial mesothelioma: 9%
These numbers take into account all patients of all ages and genders who are diagnosed with the specified types of mesothelioma. However, when broken down by age, those numbers change. For example, among patients under the age of 45 who are diagnosed with any type of mesothelioma, the five-year survival rate may be as high as 37%, according to some studies.
Can a Mesothelioma Prognosis Be Improved?
There are several ways to improve your quality of life while living with mesothelioma, sometimes even improving life expectancy, no matter the age or gender of the patient or the stage of the cancer. These steps may include:
- Beginning treatment immediately
- Combining treatments/therapies
- Focusing on more aggressive treatment
- Undergoing heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal mesothelioma
- Considering alternative or complementary therapies
- Joining a clinical trial/undergoing experimental treatments
Please note that you should always discuss your treatment with your doctor before making any decisions to begin or stop new, experimental, alternative, or traditional treatments. Always follow your doctor’s advice, but do not be afraid to seek second opinions from qualified medical professionals in regards to your treatment.
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John Richmond has been extremely helpful on several occasions with matters we presented to him. I was very impressed with the exceptional diligence and professionalism he exhibited in successfully handling those issues. He took into consideration my thoughts and reasons behind the items I felt needed to be addressed. He went out of his way to make meeting with us a very convenient and pleasant experience. When our son required assistance with a custody issue we again went to Mr. Richmond. As it was an issue that was outside the scope of his expertise he did not hesitate to recommend another attorney in the field which was needed. That attorney was also exceptional and that case was also successfully resolved and for that recommendation we truly thank him. We will, beyond any doubt, utilize his firm and services for any matters that may arise in the future. I do not hesitate to highly recommend Mr. Richmond and his firm.
My experience with Richmond Vona was exceptional. Keith and John gave my case all the attention required to bring about a successful result. They were a calming and confident presence during a very difficult time in my life. I was never treated like a number, but more like family. They were in constant communication with me to make sure that everything I was going through was taken care of. I appreciate all of the support I received from Keith and John. I am proud to be part of the Richmond Vona family, and would highly recommend them to anyone
Let me be honest, I’ve been skeptical of attorneys in the past…. but Keith Vona and Richmond Vona, LLC changed that. They are professional, caring, thorough and trustworthy. They assisted me and my family with a challenging mesothelioma case. Challenging why, because my father passed before he could testify. Keith remained in contact, updated us regularly and I believe went above and beyond normal due diligence. I would highly recommend Richmond Vona, LLC. Thank you for all you have done for our family!!
When Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Attorney?
Treating mesothelioma, regardless of the prognosis, is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. If you were exposed to asbestos in your line of work or your daily life, you can file a claim and seek compensation from negligent manufacturers, employers, building owners, and others. You do not have to simply deal with the costly medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering on your own.
It’s important that you work with a knowledgeable attorney who understands how this process works and who can help you file your claim. At Richmond Vona, LLC, we dedicate a large portion of our practice to helping mesothelioma victims and their loved ones fight for the justice they deserve and the compensation they are owed. Throughout our attorneys’ years in practice, they have successfully secured hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of victims of negligence in Western New York. We’re ready to fight for you, too.
Contact Our Attorneys for Information About Mesothelioma Prognosis and Life Expectancy
Our team is available 24/7 to take your call and assist you throughout the legal process. Our attorneys are ready to listen to your story and share how they can help. While nothing can undo the difficulties you and your family have been through, a successful asbestos or mesothelioma claim can allow you the ability to focus on getting the treatment you or your loved one needs. Reach out today with questions about the process, or for more information on mesothelioma prognosis and life expectancy.
