Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is nearly always caused by exposure to asbestos. In this illness, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers the majority of the body’s internal organs. Its most typical site is the pleura ( outer liner of the lungs and internal chest wall ), but it could also occur in the peritoneum ( the lining of the abdominal cavity ), the heart, the pericardium ( a sac that surrounds the heart ) or tunica vaginalis.

A five year scale is used to calculate mesothelioma survival by the experts of the field. Statistics show that only ten percent of the total patients diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer have reached the target of five years. Mesothelioma survival is based on a couple of varied factors. Some of them are age and general health conditions of the patient, the stage of cancer, and the area affected by the infection.

Prolonged and aggressive treatment alone can increase the chances of mesothelioma survival. But response to such treatment varies from patient to patient, and so does chances of cure and length of survival period. There are several definite parameters that govern the success of treatment. First of all, success depends on the stage at which the cancer was at the time of diagnosis. While first and second stage cases can be cured through surgery and chemotherapy, the third and fourth stage cases have very little chances of survival.

The significant aspects of mesothelioma survival are the size and area, where the tumor is found, the level of extra fluid collected in the abdomen, the structure and type of cancer cells etc. There are basically three types of mesothelioma cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is the first type, which affects the lining of the abdomen; peritoneal cancer ruins the abdominal cavity; and the third one, the pericardial is found in the area around the heart. Though the third one is rarely seen, it is more malicious than the other two.

Alarming conclusions are reached by the medical community, which has analyzed the mesothelioma survival rates for the last few years. It has found that mesothelioma cancer infection is increasing all around the world. Also it has been found that chemotherapy is successful in cases where surgery is not effective. Researches are tirelessly working on more and more efficient strategies to defeat the fatal asbestos cancer, which has already destroyed the peace and happiness of many families by taking away their near and dear ones. The new treatment techniques invented give a fresh lease of hope for the victims.

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