If you were recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, this was probably one of your many questions. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that typically forms on the thin protective tissues of the abdomen or lungs. Survival rates were once bleak for those suffering from this aggressive disease, but appear to have improved in recent years, particularly for the two most common forms of it – pleural and peritoneal. However, there is no cure for mesothelioma.
If you or a family member was diagnosed with mesothelioma, or developed lung cancer that may have been caused by exposure to asbestos, contact The Williams Law Firm, P.C. for a free case evaluation with a mesothelioma attorney in New York.
While recovery is not yet a possibility, several factors can contribute to a patient’s increased survival rate.
A micrograph of pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Rarer forms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial and testicular, have fewer treatment options available and, therefore, a lower rate of survival. Patients suffering from pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma have higher rates of survival due to the amount of research done to develop not only more treatment options, but effective ones as well. In fact, 50% of patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma have a 5-year survival rate. The 5-year survival rate for those who combine certain treatment options can be as high as 67%.
The stage at which a patient is diagnosed can greatly impact the survival rate. 87% of those diagnosed at Stage I or II generally have a 5-year survival rate, whereas only 29% of Stage IV mesothelioma patients have the same outlook. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often difficult to detect since its symptoms are not as apparent as other cancers.
The younger a patient is, the higher the rate of survival will be. Older patients may have other health-related conditions that could render the disease even more fatal.
The National Cancer Institute’s SEER database revealed that women have a higher 5-year survival rate than men. The reasons behind this are not entirely clear, but it is suspected that women are more likely to get regular medical check-ups, which may lead to an earlier diagnosis.
Some studies have shown that certain genetic factors may play a role in the survival rates of mesothelioma patients. Those with mutations of BRCA1-associated protein-1 appear to have better survival rates than others without these mutations.
As passionate and aggressive advocates for those who suffer from mesothelioma, the legal team at The Williams Law Firm, P.C.can help ensure victims of mesothelioma and their loved ones receive the financial security they need and the justice they rightfully deserve. Occupational exposure and exposure in homes are two of the most common sources of asbestos contamination.
Call us at 855-575-MESO (6376) to get started today.
