Mesothelioma Survival Rate Without Treatment (2024)

Mesothelioma is a particularly challenging type of cancer to treat because of the fact that symptoms may not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage. The survival rate is very low at the advanced level, and even when it is caught early, most patients are not expected to survive for long. However, the mesothelioma survival rate without treatment is much shorter. It’s vital to weigh your options carefully if you have been diagnosed with this disease.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options and Life Expectancy

One of the worst aspects of mesothelioma is the fact that many people are not diagnosed until the disease has reached a later stage. By this point, treatment options are minimal and unlikely to yield positive results aside from mitigating symptoms and helping the patient maintain a reasonable quality of life for the time they have left. However, treatment is possible at all stages of the disease. It is most effective when the disease is detected at early stages.

In the earliest stages of mesothelioma, surgery to remove cancerous tissues may prevent the disease from spreading to the lymph nodes, but this is never a guarantee. Patients are also likely to undergo multimodal treatment that involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, nutritional support, and more. Generally, the earlier the disease is detected, the more likely these treatment methods are to work. Later-stage mesothelioma is very difficult to treat in any meaningful way.

At later stages of the disease, surgery is likely to cause more harm than good, especially if the disease has spread to the lymph nodes and both sides of the body. At this point, treatment may include chemotherapy and radiation, but it is unlikely that these treatments will enable the patient to enter remission. Effective treatment at this stage can, however, improve the patient’s quality of life and extend their remaining lifespan.

Risks of Foregoing Mesothelioma Treatment

The harsh reality of mesothelioma is that there is no mesothelioma survival rate without treatment. Left unchecked, this disease is terminal, and most people who do not receive treatment or who refuse treatment may only have months to a few years to live, depending on the stage of the disease when it is detected. At early stages, a patient may survive one to two years without treatment, and at later stages, they may only have a few months left to live.

Mesothelioma treatment, like all other cancer treatments, is costly and difficult in many ways. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this condition, it is vital to remember that asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. If another party is responsible for exposing you to asbestos, a lawsuit could yield compensation for all related medical expenses, your lost income if you are unable to work, and the pain and suffering you have experienced.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., has years of professional experience representing clients in mesothelioma cases that many other attorneys do not take. These cases are demanding in many ways, and tracing the origin of a mesothelioma diagnosis typically requires extensive research and investigation into decades of records. We can help you determine whether another party is liable for your diagnosis and, if so, help you hold them accountable.

Mesothelioma Survival Rate FAQs

Q: What Is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Pleural Mesothelioma?

A: The life expectancy of a person with pleural mesothelioma may only be a little more than a year, but they may survive for longer with early detection and effective treatment. Generally, the earlier the disease is detected, the more treatment options will be available to the patient, and the longer their life expectancy will be. However, various individual factors can affect life expectancy with pleural mesothelioma, and the disease is generally considered terminal.

Q: What Is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

A: The life expectancy of a person with peritoneal mesothelioma is generally shorter than is common with pleural mesothelioma, and they may only have a few months to one year without treatment. With treatment, patients may survive several years longer than they would with pleural mesothelioma. The five-year survival rate is much greater with peritoneal mesothelioma than with pleural mesothelioma, but it is vital to remember these are general statistics.

Q: Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

A: Mesothelioma cannot be cured; although there have been cases of patients being receptive to treatment and entering remissions, it is generally only possible with very early detection of the disease, the right combination of the patient’s individual medical factors, and effective care. Because mesothelioma typically does not cause noticeable symptoms right away, it often remains undetected until it has reached the advanced stages of the disease.

Q: How Long Does Mesothelioma Take to Develop?

A: Mesothelioma takes a very long time to develop. The disease can start with just a single exposure to asbestos, and it can take several years or even multiple decades for the disease to start causing noticeable symptoms. At this point, there may be very few viable treatment options available to the patient, and their doctor may advise palliative care to manage their symptoms and keep them as comfortable as possible for the time they have left.

Q: Can I File a Lawsuit for Mesothelioma?

A: You may have grounds to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma, depending on how you developed the disease. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, and if a specific party is responsible for exposing you to asbestos, you would have grounds for legal recourse against them. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you determine whether any such options are available to you and assist you in building a case if so.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., has successfully represented many mesothelioma cases, and we know how devastating it can be for any family to receive this diagnosis. If you are unsure how to proceed with this type of case, we can help. Our firm can review the details of your situation and explain the legal options available to you that might yield compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.