Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Usually, it affects the lining that covers most of your internal organs, leading to the development of tumors. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be worried about how much you have to live.
The life expectancy after a mesothelioma diagnosis could span months or years, depending on various factors.
What could determine your life expectancy?
Several variables could determine how long a person will live after a mesothelioma diagnosis. They include:
- The stage of the disease: An early diagnosis and treatment will result in a better prognosis. Unfortunately, since it’s not possible to point out mesothelioma in its early stages, many get their diagnosis later when the disease has progressed.
- Your age and general health: If you are young with no underlying health issues, you will live longer than someone older with other preexisting conditions. Additionally, non-smokers may have a better prognosis than smokers.
- The type of mesothelioma: Malignant mesothelioma is categorized into three, depending on the affected tissues – epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Epithelial mesothelioma tends to have a better prognosis than the other two.
- Gender: For some reason, women fare better than men. Researchers partly attribute this to hormonal differences, although women are more likely to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which has better survival rates.
Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Most likely, your mesothelioma resulted from asbestos exposure in a former job you had years ago. Therefore, if you or a loved one has this type of cancer, it is necessary to have an informed evaluation of your case to determine if a negligent party could be held accountable.
You may be in line for compensation which could go a long way in offsetting the medical bills and help you and your loved ones lead a more comfortable life.