As with any other medical conditions, symptoms will vary from person to person. One of the most troubling aspects of diagnosing this disease is that it does not usually manifest itself for twenty to fifty years after, Mesothelioma treatment, the patient has been exposed to asbestos. As a result, patients are not diagnosed until little can be done to slow the progress of the cancer. A physician specializing in mesothelioma will thoroughly examine the patient’s history and connect asbestos exposure with mesothelioma.

The type of mesothelioma can also play a role in which symptoms will be most noticeable by the patient.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

Early symptoms of mesothelioma include breathing difficulties and persistent coughing. Depending on the kind of mesothelioma, pain in the chest or abdominal areas may develop. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include swelling of the abdomen, and bowel obstruction. Nausea, weakness, and fever have also been linked to peritoneal mesothelioma.

Life Expectancy After Diagnosis

The prognosis for a patient diagnosed with mesothelioma is not good.

The typical patient in the U.S. is about sixty years of age. The average life expectancy for mesothelioma is about one year. Only about ten percent of patients reach the five-year survival rate that is typical of most cancers. However, recent clinical trials have uncovered promising new treatments that may improve life expectancy for mesothelioma patients. In addition, doctors are searching for new testing options that would make early diagnosis possible, reducing the number of late diagnoses and improving a patient’s life expectancy significantly.

A number of factors affect the prognosis of a patient suffering from mesothelioma. Besides age, factors such as smoking, heart disease, and general health can affect prognosis. Treatment can also affect the patient’s prognosis. If the cancer was caught early, it is possible that the patient will live another five years provided the cancer is treated aggressively. If it is stage two, the patient generally has two to four years. However, this varies considerably and the patient and his family should consult their health care professional.