Pleural Mesothelioma & Seniors

Mesothelioma is an incurable, asbestos-related cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, dry coughing, and chest pain. 
There is a long latency period associated with mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Due to the long latency period of mesothelioma, approximately 20-50 years, about 80% of those who are diagnosed with this terrible disease are seniors. The average age of mesothelioma patients is 69.

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for 75% of cases. It forms on the soft tissue covering the lungs and sometimes abdomen. The prognosis for this type of cancer is poor because there is no cure, and the cancer is aggressive once it develops. Those who can undergo multimodal therapy, which is a combination of two or more treatments, have an improved prognosis. And some mesothelioma survivors have lived a long time despite the poor prognosis.

Fortunately, for seniors and their families, there are treatment options and advocacy centers, such as The Pleural Mesothelioma Center. The Pleural Mesothelioma Center offers free assistance and resources to anyone coping with pleural mesothelioma, as well as their loved ones. This is done through patient advocacy, medical content from our accredited experts, public outreach, and a veterans department specifically for those who have served. 
Many mesothelioma survivors credit the people who supported them along the journey as vital to their survival, and that is exactly what we are here to do!