Mesothelioma is normally diagnosed on its advanced stage because the patient demonstrates symptoms only from 15 to 50 years from its occurrence. Upon initial diagnosis, your doctor will evaluate the stage of the Cancer using the latest system known as the Brigham System. At both Stages I and II, the Mesothelioma can still be surgically removed.

The difference is the involvement of lymph node at the second stage. During these stages, the patient can still have a positive prognosis. At Stage III, mesothelioma penetrates through the diaphragm into the chest wall and heart. Finally at Stage IV, the cancer already metastasized to other areas of the body through the bloodstream and the option becomes limited. This makes mesothelioma prognosis more difficult.

There are known factors that improve a person's mesothelioma prognosis. The American Cancer Society said that like most cancers, a patient's age, health condition and early detection are vital on the prognosis of the disease. Compared to patients with pre-existing health issues, those who exhibit healthy lifestyle have greater chance to withstand the treatment. If the patient's condition is deteriorating, he is less likely to respond to cancer treatment. Patients who are capable and willing to undergo surgical removal of the mesotheliom have a good chance for survival for a year or two.

Other contributing factors that affect the mesothelioma prognosis are the types of mesotheliom: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial; the stage of cancer; the size and location of the tumor; and the magnitude of the symptoms.  The common symptoms of cancer at its later stages are the presence of fluids in the lungs or abdomen, chest pain, low red blood cell count, elevated white blood cell count, shortness of breath and weight loss. When a patient manifests these symptoms he will receive a poor prognosis and the chance of survival low. Absence this symptom, the patient can lean to an improved prognosis after a year from diagnosis.

It is the duty of your doctor to inform you at once of the mesothelioma prognosis. This is to apprise you and your family about the circumstances surrounding the situation. Anyway, the prognosis may change depending on your response to the treatment. The survival rates are also sometimes discussed to at least prepare you of the possible outcome. Recent studies conducted by the American Cancer Society revealed that the one-year survival rate is about 40%. Most often, patients succumb to mesothelioma within a year following the diagnosis.

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The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.