Prognosis
While mesothelioma is only one
of several conditions that may
be caused by asbestos, it is definitely
the most serious. Lung cancer,
another possible outcome of asbestos
exposure, remains one of the deadliest
killers, with a dismal five year
survival rate of fifteen percent
– but sufferers of mesothelioma
would envy those chances. Prognosis
in mesothelioma cases is unreliable.
Their five year survival rate
has been measured at only seven
percent, and the average survival
time is only one year. This may
partly be due to the advanced
age at which most are diagnosed
with the disease. Sufferers do
have reason to hope. Due to recent
advances in chemotherapy and innovative
treatment, those numbers may be
higher the next time they are
measured.
Update: Dr.
Petr Hausner writes that "about
10% of mesotheliomas have a good
prognosis, which can be best predicted
from a slow growth rate."
Prognosis varies from case to
case, and becomes worse the longer
the cancer is left undiscovered.
Early diagnosis is crucial. Once
mesothelioma reaches its later
stages and the disease spreads
to other areas of the body, there
is no curative treatment.
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