Mesothelioma Prognosis – Less Than Hopeful Now
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.
Mesothelioma prognosis becomes a nightmare for the victim since the disease lies dormant for many years, even fifty or more, before the symptoms appear. By that time the infection must have reached the important internal organs like heart, abdomen or lungs. Mesothelioma can be categorized into four stages. The first two stages are comparatively less dangerous and easy to cure. However the prospects of a cure is almost nil in the third and fourth stages. Mostly mesothelioma detection takes place when the patient goes to the doctor for some other physical problems.
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.
In the modern age, with the invention of modern treatments, mesothelioma prognosis has become better. The modern treatment includes multimodality treatment, gene therapy, photodynamic therapy etc. Ultimately survival depends on the response of the patients towards treatment and the type of cancer.
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