Mesothelioma Type & Survival

The type of mesothelioma, whether pleural, peritoneal, pericardial or testicular, can affect survival time. According to “Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects,” researchers Ribak and Selikoff “reported a mean time of 11.4 months from presentation until death for pleural mesothelioma and 7.4 months for peritoneal mesothelioma in 457 consecutive fatal cases of mesothelioma in asbestos insulation workers.”

Prolonging Mesothelioma Survival Rate

Mesothelioma patients also frequently turn to alternative therapies to prolong their survival. Acupuncture, massage, supplements, meditation and yoga are among the list of alternative therapies that many patients have noted to provide pain relief, reduce stress and increase comfort.

5-Year Relative Survival Rate (Percent)

Year of Diagnosis

Patients Reaching 5-Year Survival (%)

1975-1977

10.4%

1978-1980

6.3%

1981-1983

8.2%

1984-1986

7.1%

1987-1989

6.6%

1990-1992

8.5%

1993-1995

7.1%

1996-1998

10.5%

1999-2006

7.7%

Source: SEER Cancer Incidence Report

Reading statistical information about survival rates can be discouraging to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones, but they are purely statistical averages that do not predict each patient's prognosis. According to ACS, “These numbers are based on patients treated at least several years ago. Improvements in treatment since then mean that the survival statistics for people now being diagnosed with these cancers may be higher.”
It is important to remember that research and studies are being conducted internationally to help in the fight against mesothelioma. Treatment options continue to improve and exciting developments surface, providing hope to mesothelioma patients everywhere. Patients interested in learning more about prolonging survival can contact our Doctor Match program, which matches patients with the best mesothelioma doctor for their diagnosis and location. To speak with the Doctor Match department, please call (800) 549-0544.