Mesothelioma Survivors

While the survival rate for mesothelioma is statistically low, some individuals have surpassed traditional life expectancy projections and lived for years after being diagnosed with the disease. Exactly why some patients beat the odds and survive in spite of a terminal diagnosis is unknown. Their stories, however, can often be a source of hope and insight for other mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.

To read more about survivors of mesothelioma cancer and, more importantly, how to enhance your chances of being a survivor, ask for a free copy of the Mesothelioma Center's comprehensive informational packet. The packet is tailored specifically for each person who asks for one and contains information about treatments, clinical trials, doctors and mesothelioma cancer centers. Fill out the form below to get a packet delivered to your door.

A patient's life expectancy is based upon a variety of factors, such as location of tumor, severity of disease, age and gender, just to name a few. Depending upon these elements, life expectancy can vary widely in each individual case of mesothelioma.

Although the medical community cannot explain why some patients manage to survive years longer than expected, some experts theorize their success may be linked to therapies that enhance the immune system. Certain studies of mesothelioma survivors have shown that many underwent a form of treatment aimed at strengthening the immune system, such as immunology treatments and alternative therapies.

A fundamental report on mesothelioma released several decades ago further links the progression of the disease with a weakened immune system. According to the report, "the presence of asbestos fibers in exposed workers may have caused the eventual breakdown of the host's surveillance system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma]."

Early detection also plays a vital role in increasing a patient’s chance of becoming a mesothelioma survivor. The earlier mesothelioma is detected, the more treatment options a patient generally has open to them.

The development of new blood tests, such as the Mesomark test, has helped doctors detect mesothelioma much earlier than they previously could through the use of traditional diagnostic tools. This early detection allows a larger proportion of patients to undergo treatments that are more curative than palliative in nature.