Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

How does Metastatic Mesothelioma Influence the Prognosis?

Posted on: November 8, 2023 *Updated on: May 25, 2024

Metastatic mesothelioma indicates that the cancer has spread from its original site in the mesothelium to other parts of the body. The mesothelium is a thin layer of tissue covering many of the internal organs. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the pleura (the lining of the lungs) but can also originate in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (the lining around the heart).

Once mesothelioma has metastasized, it is considered to be at an advanced stage, which can significantly influence the prognosis. Here are several factors that metastatic mesothelioma can affect:

  1. Stage of Cancer: Metastasis usually corresponds to a higher stage of cancer (typically stage IV). Higher stages of cancer are associated with a more serious prognosis.
  2. Treatment Options: The spread of mesothelioma to other parts of the body can limit the effectiveness of surgical interventions since it is more challenging to remove cancer from multiple areas. Treatment may then focus more on palliative care to relieve symptoms rather than curative treatment.
  3. Symptom Severity: With metastasis, symptoms may become more severe or widespread as new areas of the body are affected. This can reduce the patient’s quality of life and may require more aggressive symptom management.
  4. Survival Rates: Unfortunately, metastatic mesothelioma has a poorer survival rate than localized mesothelioma. Median survival for metastatic mesothelioma can be significantly less compared to earlier stages.
  5. Overall Health Impact: The spread of cancer can affect the body’s overall function. For example, if mesothelioma spreads to the bones, it can cause pain and fractures; if it spreads to the lungs, it can lead to increased difficulty with breathing.
  6. Response to Treatment: Advanced cancer may not respond as well to treatment as cancer that is detected early. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies might be used, but they may be less effective at this stage and are often used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life rather than to cure the disease.

Prognosis is individual and can vary widely between patients. It depends on various factors including the patient’s age, overall health, specific characteristics of the cancer, how well the cancer responds to treatment, and advancements in treatment options. It’s important for anyone diagnosed with metastatic mesothelioma to have detailed discussions with their healthcare team to understand their specific prognosis and to make informed decisions about their treatment and care.