Mesothelioma is an unusual type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, or thin layer, surrounding the heart, abdomen and lung. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring carcinogen mineral. For most, exposure occurs on the job when asbestos is inhaled or ingested into the body. Other types of exposure can occur in schools, home, or the environment or to family members when asbestos fibers are carried home.

Often it can take 20 to 50 years between times of exposure to development of symptoms. Mesothelioma can develop decades later from both long and short term exposure. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be challenging to diagnose as they mimic symptom of more common illnesses. Because of this, the time between symptoms first appearing and accurate diagnosis (identifying the disease) can be as long as 9 months.

Worldwide, the incidence of mesothelioma is increasing and is not expected to decline until the year 2020. An estimated 3000 people per year are affected by mesothelioma in the United States alone.

The statistical information included in this article is based on general information and should not be used to evaluate any particular case. Consulting with a mesothelioma specialist or care center is highly recommended if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with the disease.

For most mesothelioma patients, prognosis from time of diagnosis is quite poor. Median survival rates range from six to fifteen months. Life expectancy five years after diagnosis is extremely low, from four to nine percent. Rate of survival is the term often used to explain the life span of a patient after receiving a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. A “5 year survival rate” is most commonly used by mesothelioma doctors and researchers. This rate is based on the number of patients who, five years after diagnosis, are still surviving.

Many factors influence life expectancy so these statistics may vary in individual cases. Survival times are affected by type of mesothelioma, stage of the disease, and time of diagnosis. Other factors include how advanced the cancer has become, the size of tumors, and whether they can be surgically removed. Age and overall health of patients, as well as responses to treatments, also affect times of survival.

A number of studies investigating survival rate among mesothelioma patients have been made. Unfortunately, without any known cure, mesothelioma is always fatal. Promising research, however, is showing evidence that newer therapies and earlier diagnosis are leading to extended survival times. Several new anti-tumor agents as well as diagnostic tests are leading to better results. Trimodal treatments, combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, seem to yield the best life expectancy outcomes.

Again, statistical mesothelioma survival rates are based on large groups of people and can not be used to predict any particular case. Please consult with a mesothelioma doctor or special cancer care center that has extensive expertise if you have been diagnosed with or suspect you may have this particular type of cancer.

Sally Clapper is a representative for the law offices of Clapper, Patti, Schweizer … Mason in Sausalito, CA. If you or someone you know is in need of a mesothelioma lawyer, please contact the firm at 1-800-440-4262. As legal experts in the field of mesothelioma, the firm’s attorneys are recognized as some of the leading plaintiffs’ asbestos attorneys in the nation.