Mesothelioma rarely comes with a positive prognosis. Most patients diagnosed with the disease will not survive for longer than two years. It’s an extremely aggressive form of cancer that requires a total lifestyle change if you’re going to overcome the odds.
Survivors like Paul Kraus are inspirations within the mesothelioma community as they are living proof that this disease can be beaten. So what do you need to know about mesothelioma?
What is Mesothelioma Really?
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. It comes with a long latency period of between 35 and 50 years, depending on the type of mesothelioma. That’s why mesothelioma disproportionately impacts senior citizens across the country. More than 90% of cases are defined by two types of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal.
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and peritoneal mesothelioma in the abdomen. Both of them are deadly, but an early diagnosis can add years to a patient’s prognosis.
Why is Mesothelioma So Deadly?
Mesothelioma is a form of an extremely aggressive form of cancer. The reason why it’s so deadly is patients tend to be diagnosed with mesothelioma at a later stage. The problem is the first symptoms of mesothelioma are benign. For example, pleural mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as a simple bout of flu. Peritoneal mesothelioma is misdiagnosed as a simple appetite problem.
Sufferers tend to ignore such mild symptoms until it’s too late.
If you’re worried about mesothelioma, you can find out more here at www.survivingmesothelioma.com.
How Is Mesothelioma Treated?
Modern medical treatments are gradually improving as doctors gain a greater understanding of the disease. Mesothelioma is treated through a range of surgeries and chemotherapy. But the story of Paul Kraus has brought a new facet to mesothelioma treatment.
Paul was diagnosed with mesothelioma at just 52, which is much younger than most mesothelioma sufferers. Unlike others, he did his research and began to explore the role diet and exercise can play in supporting more conventional cancer treatments.
By completely revolutionizing his diet, engaging in regular exercise, and focusing on mind-strengthening practices he managed to beat the odds and has lived for more than 20 years with the disease.
How Long Can Patients Expect to Survive?
It all depends on when mesothelioma is diagnosed. Stage one pleural mesothelioma sufferers can live for five years or more, whereas stage four sufferers may have less than a year to live. But new medical treatments for mesothelioma are changing the game. For example, heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment can add years to a patient’s life expectancy.
There is also a range of exciting trials regarding light-activated drugs that are already delivering impressive results.
Last Word – Beating the Odds isn’t Easy
No matter when you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, beating the odds is never easy. You must be committed to changing your lifestyle drastically. Paul’s life has been dedicated to spreading awareness of the disease and managing the aggressive mesothelioma inside of him.
Are you currently fighting off mesothelioma? What have you found to work best for you so far?