There are various factors that can affect the prognosis and life expectancy (survival) of mesothelioma patients. Some of the factors have greater affect on the survival of mesothelioma patients than others. The common factors that influence survival and life expectancy of a mesothelioma patiets are:
Type of mesothelioma:
Generally three types of mesothelioma are common and they are pleural, peritoneal (lining of abdomen) and pericardial (covering of heart is known as pericardium) mesothelioma. There can also be other uncommon types of mesothelioma like testicular mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the commonest type which affects the pleura or the lining or the coverings of lungs. Generally patients with pleural mesothelioma lives longer, because it is the commonest form of mesothelioma and most of the research and treatment studies are done on pleural mesothelioma in compare to other less common types.
Age of patient at diagnosis:
Most (more than 75% of total) of the mesothelioma cases occur in older age group of 55 years or above. But recent reports suggest that the average age of onset of mesothelioma is declining, may be due to mesothelioma occurring in secondary exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma occurring in older individuals may succumb to the disease earlier than younger patients due to associated chronic and severe diseases like heart disease or chronic lung disease. The general health condition of older people also less favorable for better prognosis and better life expectancy.
Smoking:
Smoking can reduce the life expectancy of mesothelioma patient to a great extent, especially in pleural mesothelioma patients. Smoking can affect the disease process in a negative way. The ill effects of smoking on health are well known to all.
The period taken to develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos also affects the prognosis and life expectancy of mesothelioma patienst. Sometimes it may take more than 30 years after the last exposure to asbestos to develop mesothelioma. The long latency period can cause difficulty in diagnosing the disease as well as delay in diagnosis. Most of the cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed when it is in the last stage when it may not be amenable to surgery. If diagnosis is in the late stage generally the treatment is only palliative to reduce suffering.
Psychological aspect:
The psychological status of the mesothelioma patient can influence the life expectancy (at least to some extent) of mesothelioma patient, as is the case in most of the chronic and serious diseases. A patient with sound psychology to withstand the serious disease like mesothelioma can have a positive effect on the outcome.
Other associated chronic and serious diseases as well as the type of symptoms mesothelioma produce can affect the prognosis and quality of life of patient.
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