In the United States, only about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma occur each year. So newly diagnosed patients may be unfamiliar with this cancer, its prognosis and treatment. Some may wonder how much treatment really helps. What does mesothelioma life expectancy look like without treatment?
In general, mesothelioma patients can expect to live about 6 months without treatment. With treatment, life expectancy differs between the two main types:
- Pleural mesothelioma: 18 months
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: 31 months
Treatment is the most dependable way to extend survival, but many things affect prognosis. Keep reading to learn how other factors influence mesothelioma life expectancy.
Which Factors Affect Mesothelioma Life Expectancy?
Cancer stage, cell type and the patient’s age and overall health can all affect prognosis.
- Cancer stage at diagnosis: Patients diagnosed at earlier stages generally live longer than those diagnosed at later stages.
- Mesothelioma cell type: Patients with epithelioid mesothelioma usually live longer than those with other cell types.
- Patient’s age and overall health: Younger, healthier patients generally have a better prognosis than older patients with other health issues.
Estimating life expectancy requires doctors to consider all the factors above and more. Mesothelioma specialists can discuss these influences with patients. These experts can help give patients the information they need to feel confident about treatment decisions.
Why Some Patients May Choose Not to Pursue Treatment
There are many reasons why someone might choose not to get cancer treatment, like:
- Personal priorities: The patient may choose to focus on comfort and quality time with loved ones.
- Quality of life: The physical toll of treatment or its side effects may reduce quality of life too much.
- Religious or spiritual beliefs: Some personal beliefs may cause patients to forgo treatment.
- Treatment costs: The cost of treatment may be more than the patient considers worth it. This may be especially true when patients have minimal insurance coverage.
Whatever the reason, it’s important for patients to have open, honest conversations with their care team. Together, they can explore all available options and make the choices that align most closely with their needs and desires.
What Does This Mean for Mesothelioma Patients?
While treatment may not offer a cure, it can help extend life, ease symptoms and support a better quality of life. Advances in mesothelioma care have made many treatments less invasive and more manageable. And new developments and clinical trials continue to offer hope for longer, fuller lives.
Whether or not to pursue treatment is your decision—one best made with support from trusted healthcare providers. If you’ve just been diagnosed or are weighing your options, consider talking to your care team. You could also connect with a mesothelioma support group for help and information that fits your needs.
You can explore the topics below for more information on support for mesothelioma patients and caregivers:
