Mesothelioma and Long-Term Survival: What to Expect
Mesothelioma and Long-Term Survival: What to Expect
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial lining of several organs including the lungs, heart, and abdomen. It is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing industries until its ban in the late 20th century. Sadly, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis and is generally considered incurable. However, with the advancements in medical treatments and expanding research, long-term survival is becoming more common. In this article, we will discuss what to expect during the mesothelioma treatment journey and how it affects long-term survival.
Diagnosis and Staging
Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed at a later stage when the symptoms become apparent, which varies from patient to patient. The symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss. The initial diagnosis is done through medical imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer. Staging is significant in deciding the course of treatment. The four stages of mesothelioma are as follows:
- Stage I: The cancer is localized in the lining of the affected organ.
- Stage II: The cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread to multiple nearby organs and lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: The cancer has metastasized to distant organs.
Treatment
There are several treatment options available for mesothelioma based on the stage, location of the cancer, and the patient's overall health. The standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments is used to achieve the most effective results. Other treatment methods include immunotherapy and clinical trials.
Surgery: Surgery is the most effective way to remove mesothelioma cancer if diagnosed at an early stage. The surgeon may remove the affected lining or the entire organ, depending on the extent of cancer. Surgical options are limited at later stages when the cancer has spread.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy can help control the symptoms when surgery is not an option.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to attack cancer cells and stop them from growing or dividing. This treatment is particularly helpful during advanced stages of mesothelioma. It might be recommended to a patient to receive it alongside surgery.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy aims to boost the patient's immune system to help it fight off the cancer cells. This treatment method is still in a trial phase, but it has shown promising results and is available if met the requisite criteria.
Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are research studies that test new drugs or treatments to see if they are safe and effective. Patients often join clinical trials as a last resort when other treatments have not worked, and they seek alternate treatment methods.
Long-Term Survival
Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, but long-term survival is achievable if diagnosed early and treatment gets the proper response. The survival rate largely depends on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, treatment options available, and the patient's willingness to overcome it. According to The American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for mesothelioma patients is around 20%. However, this rate has dramatically improved in recent years thanks to the advancements in medical treatments, coupled with early detection and diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
Mesothelioma is a challenging cancer to treat, with a poor prognosis. Everyone's experience with this disease is different, but with the expanding treatments and ongoing research, long-term survival is achievable. It is essential to stay informed and be aware of the symptoms and related risks involved with mesothelioma. Any exposure to asbestos must be avoided, and a doctor should be immediately consulted if symptoms arise, leading to mesothelioma. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome.