Stage 4 Mesothelioma

What Is Stage 4 Mesothelioma?

Stage 4 mesothelioma is the most advanced stage of this asbestos-related cancer. In this late stage, the mesothelioma cells have spread to distant body parts. Extensive tumor spread makes it difficult to treat.

Surgery cannot remove this end stage of mesothelioma because mesothelioma cells and resulting tumors have spread beyond the mesothelial lining. They have grown into nearby or distant tissues and organs.

Mesothelioma is different from other cancers in the way it progresses. It has a unique pattern of metastasis, which is the way it spreads in the body. 

It tends to occur locally. Tumors may spread beyond where they initially began, but typically in nearby areas. For example, it may spread from your chest cavity to your abdominal cavity. In rare instances, mesothelioma can spread distantly to other areas of your body such as the liver, brain and bones.

Stage 4 Mesothelioma by Type

Stage 4 is the most severe stage of this type of cancer for all mesothelioma types. There are four types of mesothelioma that are based on where tumors first developed in the body.

Mesothelioma Types at Stage 4

For all mesothelioma types at stage 4, tumors have invaded deeper tissues and spread to distant sites. Malignant mesothelioma tumors can spread to your remote lymph nodes and organs.

What Are the Symptoms of Stage 4 Mesothelioma?

Stage 4 mesothelioma cancer symptoms can include pain, fatigue and fever. You may have few symptoms, which can be vague and mimic common signs of other cancers. Some symptoms appear where the cancer has spread, including the liver, kidneys and spleen.

You may feel generally unwell and need help moving around. Physical changes may affect your hormone levels and leave you with low energy or feeling depressed. Always seek mental health resources when needed.

Rare brain metastasis causes some of the most disturbing symptoms. You may lose control of your emotions, memory or muscle function. Remember to utilize all your support resources, including loved ones. Your medical team will also work to help you regain control.

Toward the end of life, mesothelioma patients may face severe symptoms such as intense chest pain, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and fatigue. During this stage, many patients find comfort in hospice care, where they can receive specialized care and emotional support from loved ones.

Living with this cancer can be challenging and is likely to impact your quality of life significantly. Inform your doctor of any new or changing signs with your health. Not knowing what to expect can be frightening, but your medical team can help.

Stage 4 Mesothelioma Prognosis 

While the prognosis for stage 4 mesothelioma patients is poor, life expectancy and survival rates can vary depending on responsiveness to treatment. Some stage 4 mesothelioma patients have gone into partial remission. 

Mesothelioma survival rate statistics cannot predict how long someone with mesothelioma will live. No two cases of mesothelioma are the same. Pleural mesothelioma survivor Andy Ashcraft, for example, was diagnosed with stage 4 and spoke to The Mesothelioma Center after surpassing the 3-year survival mark.

Treatments and palliative care can extend stage 4 mesothelioma life expectancy by years for many patients. Immunotherapy or chemotherapy in combination with a targeted drug or Tumor Treating Fields, for example, can extend survival for mesothelioma survivors to 18 months. 

Your prognosis depends mainly on the extent of tumor growth and how well you respond to treatments. Other factors that can affect a person’s prognosis are the age of the patient and their overall health. Diet and nutrition and regular exercise can improve your prognosis. Smoking doesn’t cause mesothelioma, but quitting can also help improve your overall health.

Andy A.

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Survivor Andy A. Beating the Odds Again

Andy beat the odds in 2004 by surviving a horrific, 70 mph motorcycle crash that propelled him into a concrete retaining wall, breaking his pelvis and collarbone, three ribs, both feet, puncturing one lung and bruising most other parts of his body.

Andy A.

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Read Andy’s Story

Stage 4 Mesothelioma Life Expectancy and Survival Statistics

The life expectancy for stage 4 mesothelioma patients ranges from about one to two years. The median survival time for these patients is 14.9 months. Researchers are continuing to explore many treatments in studies that could improve survival time further.

According to the American Cancer Society, 7% of those with late-stage mesothelioma survive for 5 years or more. About half of these patients live for at least a year, and roughly 25% of those with stage-4 disease live for two or more years.

Stage 4 Mesothelioma Treatment

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, studies have shown that treatment with immunotherapy and chemotherapy improves overall survival in some patients in advanced stages. Treatment options typically recommended for stage 4 patients shrink tumors to reduce pain and pressure, extending survival and improving symptoms.

For some patients, there may be an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that could provide researchers with much-needed insight on treating mesothelioma in these last stages better. For example, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and SELLAS Life Sciences Group recently worked on a study combining immunotherapy with a targeted cancer vaccine for late-stage pleural mesothelioma patients.

Side Effects of Mesothelioma Treatment to Consider 

When choosing a treatment plan, it’s important to discuss possible side effects with your doctor. Together, you’ll weigh the benefits against the risks of side effects and determine the best plan for you.

Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and TTFields can all cause fatigue, nausea and coughing. Radiation and TTFields can cause skin problems such as rashes. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can cause mouth sores. 

More serious complications can also occur such as serious infections. Some serious side effects can also develop. For example, though rare, patients taking immunotherapy drugs have reported hormone, kidney and liver problems.

Tips & Resources for Stage 4 Mesothelioma Patients

Support resources for your family and for you as a patient. Not only can support and assistance help survivors and their loved ones manage stress when coping with stage 4 mesothelioma, some resources can help patients live beyond their predicted life expectancy and improve quality of life.

A stage 4 mesothelioma diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t control some aspects of living with this condition. Taking a proactive approach can sometimes reduce your anxiety.

Common Questions About Stage 4 Mesothelioma

What role can alternative and complementary medicine play in treating stage 4 mesothelioma?

Stage 4 mesothelioma patients may choose to use complementary or alternative therapies. Options such as acupuncture or massage may reduce your symptoms. Talk to your doctor first. These treatments don’t offer a cure and are not a substitute for standard care. The best options for wellness are often exercise and nutrition. A cancer nutritionist can guide you toward a healthy cancer diet.

What does the stage of cancer mean?

The stage of cancer refers to how advanced and widespread it is. A staging system called TNM determines the stage for pleural mesothelioma. TNM stands for Tumor, Node and Metastasis. The rating describes the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to lymph nodes and if it has metastasized.

Doctors assign a stage ranging from 0 to 4. This helps them determine the best treatment for you and estimate your prognosis.

Should I consider end-of-life planning?

Some patients find talking in advance with their family and medical team about end-of-life care preferences can bring peace of mind, allowing them to focus on the present and their treatment.

Ask your medical team for a blank copy of all documents they recommend. Find a trusted lawyer to draft binding documents. These can help you plan for end-of-life medical care.

Recommended Reading