Benign Mesothelioma - Prognosis and Survival

Mesothelioma Prognosis and Survival 

Though many patients and their loved ones often get discouraged if the prognosis following a mesothelioma diagnosis comes back poor, it is important to remember that a number of patients have survived much longer than their initial prognosis suggested. Prognosis is generally poor because most patients do not exhibit symptoms of mesothelioma until 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos occurred, allowing the cancer to develop and mature in the body. 

The development of tests to aid in early diagnosis, such as the Mesomark blood test, will hopefully help mesothelioma patients receive treatment in the earlier stages of the cancer. Early diagnosis results in greater treatment options available to mesothelioma patients which can greatly improve a patient's prognosis. 

Research reveals that mesothelioma patients who have survived for many years with the disease have commonly participated in some sort of therapy to enhance their immune system. Participation in clinical trials in immunology and other alternative therapies relating to the immune system have yielded positive results in some instances

Researchers theorize that mesothelioma likely results from immune suppression and mesothelioma survivors that participated in treatments to improve the immune system may have experienced positive results because of this participation.