Mesothelioma Remission and Recurrence

Can Mesothelioma Go Into Remission?

If you are struggling with a mesothelioma diagnosis, we understand the daunting questions you are facing. One of the most common inquiries newly diagnosed patients make is “Can mesothelioma go into remission?”. Well for starters, to be in remission means that your medical professional has seen a decrease or disappearance of cancer symptoms. In this case, medical professionals consider mesothelioma in remission when there is No Evidence of Disease (NED). Mesothelioma can go into remission, although it is extremely rare. Understanding the possibilities of mesothelioma remission and the future of you or a loved one’s mesothelioma diagnosis is crucial when dealing with this disease.

Mesothelioma Treatment’s Role in Remission

Statistics have proven that treatment is the most effective way you could improve your prognosis. A 2015 study stated that mesothelioma cancer patients who received therapies had a 92% 1-year survival rate, a 74% 3-year survival rate, and a 39% 10-year survival rate, respectively.

On the other hand, not receiving treatment can negatively influence the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients. There are several reasons patients may not undergo treatment such as the cost of treatment, a late-stage diagnosis, and physical ability. Palliative care is an excellent way to relieve cancer side effects and create comfort. Common palliative treatments are nutritional supplements, pain medication, meditation, and massages.

You can get rid of mesothelioma through rigorous cancer treatment. Primary treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, there are several emerging forms of cancer treatment in some of the nation’s top medical centers such as targeted therapy medications, complementary therapies, and immunotherapy. These therapies can help cancer patients better reach remission.

Full Mesothelioma Remission

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, many people can reach full mesothelioma remission. Full remission, also known as complete remission, means that tests, exams, and scans, indicate that all signs of cancer are gone. Some mesothelioma doctors also refer to full remissions as “cancer free” or “no evidence of disease (NED).” Many believe that complete remission means that the cancer is cured; however, remission simply indicates that there is no longer evidence of cancer in the body. After reaching full remission, cancer patients will no longer need treatment unless signs of cancer return. During remission, patients can begin their life after mesothelioma.

Partial Mesothelioma Remission

Partial remission, on the other hand, means that cancer remains in the body, but the tumor has shrunk or you have less cancer in the body. Patients that are in partial remission may be able to take a break from cancer treatment as long as cancer does not begin to grow again. To be considered in remission, the tumors must show signs of shrinkage for at least one month.

What Is Mesothelioma Recurrence?

After receiving treatment or reaching remission, your team of medical professionals should continue to check for signs of cancer and other health issues. Even if you are in remission and have no mesothelioma symptoms, you should continue to receive care such as imaging tests, checkups, and blood tests.

Recurrence is the opposite of remission cancer; medical professionals refer to cancer as recurrent when cancer comes back after remission. Some cancer cells remain in the body, unnoticed, for several years after treatment and remission. Recurrence can occur locally, in the same place it started, or distantly, meaning cancer comes back in a different place in the body. Mesothelioma can come back after initial treatment and the recurrence may need further treatment from a mesothelioma specialist.

Are There Any Survivors of Mesothelioma?

The typical survival rate for mesothelioma is typically 4-18 months after learning of a diagnosis, however, people have lived for much longer that that. The current five-year survival rate, meaning the percentage of people who lived at least 5 years, is only 10%. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, many people can survive with mesothelioma. There are also mesothelioma patients that have reached remission and have become survivors of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Hub understands the confusion of a mesothelioma diagnosis and all that comes alongside it. If you want to understand more about your mesothelioma prognosis and remission, we can provide information. For further details about mesothelioma and the possibility of remission, download our mesothelioma guide or receive your free mesothelioma case evaluation.