Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

What Is the Life Expectancy for Mesothelioma Patients?

Life expectancy refers to expectations for survival time based on statistics, however, each patient is unique and survival depends on a number of variables. Factors impacting life expectancy for mesothelioma patients include the stage of cancer at diagnosis, the type of mesothelioma, the type of cells present and the patient’s overall health. 

The average mesothelioma life expectancy is 12 to 21 months with treatment. Mesothelioma life expectancy without treatment is about 6 to 8 months. As registered nurse and Patient Advocate Karen Selby told The Mesothelioma Center, “Survival statistics are general estimates.”

You can improve your mesothelioma life expectancy, prognosis and survival rate in many ways. For example, pleural mesothelioma patients undergoing aggressive therapy may have a longer asbestos cancer life expectancy. Studies show that 9.6% of pleural mesothelioma patients undergoing treatment survive for 5 years or more. Without treatment, survival beyond 6 months is rare.

Oncologists often find it difficult to provide definitive numbers or statistics regarding each patient’s life expectancy. Many factors determine your potential pleural mesothelioma life expectancy.

What Factors Affect Mesothelioma Life Expectancy?

Cancer type, age and health are critical factors in a patient’s mesothelioma life expectancy. Genetics, cell type, stage and gender also play a role. Managing coexisting conditions and improving overall health can help extend your life expectancy. 

While many factors may be out of your control, others, such as lifestyle habits and treatment options, are within your control. The combination of multiple factors in each patient’s journey can influence whether someone exceeds the typical life expectancy.

Many patients with an early diagnosis are asymptomatic and have no signs or symptoms of mesothelioma. Those who receive an early diagnosis also often have a higher life expectancy. For this reason, providers should monitor those with pleural fluid and a history of asbestos exposure more closely, even if the effusion is minor or resolves spontaneously. 

If you’ve had asbestos exposure in the past, inform your provider about your history and any new or worsening symptoms. Closely watching patients with a history of asbestos exposure leads to more individuals receiving an earlier diagnosis and having a longer life expectancy.

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Tumor Location

The life expectancy for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma varies significantly depending on where tumors form in the body. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma in the abdomen often live longer than patients with pleural tumors in the chest.

Tumor location also influences symptoms and complications. Patients with tumors in the chest are more likely to experience respiratory and cardiac issues, such as shortness of breath or abnormal heart rate. Peritoneal tumors in the abdomen can cause digestive problems and organ failure in sensitive organs such as the kidneys and liver.

Will Cancer Stage Impact My Mesothelioma Life Expectancy?

The stage of mesothelioma is a vital factor because earlier stages lead to a longer life expectancy. Doctors measure stages from 1 to 4 to describe the extent of metastasis or tumor spread. Stage 4 is the most advanced and final phase. Life expectancy for stage 4 mesothelioma is 12 months with treatment.

Stages 1 and 2 are early stages. Patients with early-stage mesothelioma cancer tend to live for 19 to 21 months. Late-stage mesothelioma involves stages 3 and 4. These patients have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 months. If the cancer spread is not significant, you may be able to consider surgery.

Mesothelioma Cell Type and Life Expectancy

The type of cells within tumors influence which treatments are most effective. Life expectancy is higher for patients with epithelial tumor cells. Pleural patients with the epithelial cell type have a life expectancy of 14.4 months. Peritoneal tumors with epithelial cells increase life expectancy to 51.5 months.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are more aggressive and resistant to treatment. The life expectancy for pleural patients with these cells is 5.3 months and 10.5 months for peritoneal patients. The biphasic type is a mixture of epithelial and sarcomatoid cells, leading to a life expectancy of 9.5 months for pleural and 10.5 months for peritoneal.

Age, Gender and Overall Health

Age, gender and overall health can all affect mesothelioma life expectancy. Older patients, those with co-existing conditions and men generally have shorter life expectancies, while women and individuals in better health tend to live longer.

Although smoking doesn’t cause mesothelioma like asbestos exposure, it can significantly decrease life expectancy for those with asbestos-related cancer. Studies show that when asbestos exposure is combined with smoking, the lung cancer death rate is 28 times higher than average.

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy With Treatment

Treatment can extend life expectancy several years for most patients. Stage 4 mesothelioma life expectancy is about 1 year with treatment. Late-stage mesothelioma patients treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy may see improved life expectancy.

Palliative care may help increase your life expectancy when started alongside conventional treatment. It can help ease your symptoms such as pain and other discomfort. Most palliative options are less-invasive forms of traditional therapy, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Survivor Jerry Lampe has lived more than 40 years since his peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis. Initially told he had 6 to 12 months to live, Jerry tells us he found immunotherapy worked for him.

“I say my prayer of thanks for the privilege of another day,” Lampe told The Mesothelioma Center. “It’s my way of not forgetting reality, but I often ask myself why I’m still alive.”

Survivor Story

Survivor Story

Doug Jackson Mesothelioma Survivor

Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor Defies the Odds

In December 2016, Doug Jackson was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, and given a prognosis of just one year. By May 2017, he courageously underwent pleurectomy and decortication surgery at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Doug’s surgery and follow-up treatments were successful, and he now passionately cares for his family ranch in Wyoming.

Read Doug’s Story

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy Without Treatment

With any diagnosis, cancer can progress fast without therapy. Pleural mesothelioma life expectancy without treatment is about 6 to 8 months. Peritoneal mesothelioma life expectancy without treatment is about 6 months.

Some patients feel uncomfortable with cancer treatment. Deciding if the benefits outweigh the risks of treatment is a personal decision. Consider discussing the benefits and risks with your loved ones and physician. Electing treatment is your best chance at living longer with asbestos-related cancer.

How to Improve Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Working with a specialist and maintaining fitness can improve your health and extend your lifespan. You and your family have access to many resources. Consult your doctor before starting any new diet, exercise or therapy. Some supplements can cause harmful effects with cancer drugs.

Life expectancy information can be very personal. Remember that support is available. A mesothelioma diagnosis is challenging, but you don’t have to cope with the stress alone. The range of emotions and stress during cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Reaching out for mental health support can help you cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

What is the longest someone has lived with mesothelioma?

Jerry Lampe has lived more than 40 years with peritoneal mesothelioma, longer than any known survivor. Some mesothelioma patients live more than 10 years after their diagnosis. Tamron Little, a contributing writer for The Mesothelioma Center, has survived 15 years with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Tim C. was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2002. He underwent an extrapleural pneumonectomy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He’s lived more than 20 years since then and attributes his success to the support of his family.

Which type of mesothelioma has the longest life expectancy?

Peritoneal mesothelioma has the longest life expectancy. This is due to the effectiveness of the heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy procedure. A 2018 study reported that median disease-free survival with HIPEC was almost five years. The median overall survival was more than eight years.

Does mesothelioma have the shortest life expectancy compared to other cancers?

Yes. The cancers with the shortest 5-year survival estimates are mesothelioma (7.2%), pancreatic cancer (7.3%) and brain cancer (12.8%). The highest 5-year survival estimates are seen in patients with testicular cancer (97%), skin melanoma (92.3%) and prostate cancer (88%).

Will remission extend the lifespan of a mesothelioma patient?

Remission does not necessarily increase mesothelioma lifespan. A patient in remission has limited symptoms with no noticeable signs of cancer. Tumor cells may still be present and recurrence is possible. Mesothelioma can progress rapidly, but a long remission often indicates successful treatment.

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