Prognosis
A prognosis is a prediction of the course of a disease and a patient's chances of survival. This is based on medical history, past experience with the disease in similar patients and current and past research. When it comes to asbestos disease, an accurate prognosis is dependent upon the severity of lung damage as well as history and degree of asbestos exposure.
Asbestosis, a non-malignant scarring of internal lung tissue, progresses relatively slowly. Initial symptoms consist of shortness of breath under light to moderate exertion, ultimately becoming so pronounced as to interfere with daily life activity. Eventually, lung capacity becomes so diminished that the patient literally suffocates. However, the disease stops its progress once the patient is removed from the asbestos environment.
Pleural plaques are usually asymptomatic. Initially, the patient is unaware of the condition. Ultimately however, it will continue to worsen gradually over the patient's life. Eventually, the disease restricts the movement the lungs to the point that breathing becomes very difficult.
The prognosis for asbestos lung cancer is comparable to other forms of the disease. Only about 15% of lung cancer patients survive five years or longer.
Because it is not usually detected until Stage 4 (see Staging) and is so aggressive, mesothelioma has the worst prognosis of any asbestos-related disease. Most patients die within six months to a year following their diagnosis; however, some patients have survived for many years, such as 15-year mesothelioma survivor Paul Kraus of Australia.
Sources
Thomas, Clayton L., M.D., ed. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. (Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company, 2000)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. "Living With Asbestos-Related Illness: A Self-Care Guide." http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov