Reasons For Negative Mesothelioma Prognosis

Mesothelioma prognosis is not so encouraging in many cases. There are several reasons for this, which we would discuss here threadbare. As you know, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the protective covering of vital organs. This covering, caller mesothelium, becomes infected due to continuous exposure to asbestos filled air at either workplace or from asbestos mines. However, the outcome varies from person to person depending on the stage of cancer at the time of detection, the age and overall health of the infected person and the ability of the body to respond to curative measures adopted.

The first reason for negative mesothelioma prognosis is that the disease lies inactive for several decades before the symptoms arrive. By that time the cancer may have even reached vital organs like lungs, abdomen or heart. Doctors categorize mesothelioma into four stages. The first two stages are relatively easy to treat, but the prognosis of stage 3 and 4 are not bright enough. In many cases, mesothelioma infection is detected only when the patient visits the clinic for other physical illnesses.

Secondly, being a rare cancer, many cancer centers and cancer specialists do not possess the required expertise to treat mesothelioma. Researches are still on to find a successful treatment for advanced mesothelioma. For stage III and IV, presently, the emphasis is only to alleviate pain and provide a better and comfortable environment for the patient.

There are three types of this cancer, the pleural, the peritoneal and the pericardial mesothelioma. The pleural type is the most common but the most easily curable. This cancer affects the lining of the abdomen and lungs and can be removed through insistent treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal and lung cavities and is more dangerous. The third type, the pericardial mesothelioma, affects the heart area and is definitely a killer. Many doctors misdiagnose the type of mesothelioma and thereby reduce the chances of mesothelioma survival.

However in these modern days mesothelioma prognosis has become less scary due to the availability of a wide range of treatment methods like photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, multimodality therapy etc. Finally the survival depends on the type of mesothelioma and the patient’s response to the treatment process.