What Is the Average Mesothelioma Life Span?
The average mesothelioma life expectancy is 12-21 months with treatment, according to a report in F1000Research.
However, many factors influence life expectancy — including overall health, cancer stage, and response to treatment — and everyone is unique.
Your life expectancy is not set in stone.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can help you live longer and spend more time with the people you love.
Key Facts on Asbestos Cancer Life Expectancy
- The average mesothelioma life expectancy without treatment is 4-12 months, according to Cancer Therapy Advisor.
- Mesothelioma survival rates are the percentage of all patients who are still alive after a certain amount of time, usually measured at 1, 3, and 5 years.
- The 1-year survival rate for mesothelioma is 43.7%, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
While statistics can provide a bigger picture, each person’s mesothelioma journey is unique. Get our Free Survivors Guide to discover inspiring survivor stories, valuable tips, and guidance to help you navigate life during and after treatment.
5 Factors Impacting Life Expectancy With Mesothelioma
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, doctors will often provide a prognosis, which is the likely course of an individual patient’s disease. Prognosis is a part of life expectancy, but they’re not the same thing.
Your mesothelioma type, stage, overall health, and other factors can all influence your prognosis and life expectancy. Learn more about how each of these plays a role in mesothelioma survival.
1. Type of Mesothelioma
There are four types of mesothelioma that develop in different locations of the body.
The mesothelioma life expectancy for each type is as follows:
- Pleural mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma starts in the lining of the lungs (pleura). On average, the pleural mesothelioma life expectancy is about 18 months.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma can be treated more aggressively because it develops in the abdominal lining (peritoneum) and may not affect vital organs. The average peritoneal mesothelioma life expectancy is 53 months with treatment.
- Pericardial mesothelioma: This rare form of mesothelioma affects the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium). It has the shortest life expectancy of all four types, averaging 2-6 months.
- Testicular mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma starts in the lining of the testes (tunica vaginalis). Patients diagnosed with this type have an average life expectancy of 46.7 months if they receive treatment.
“Life expectancy with mesothelioma depends on the stage of the disease. It depends on the cell type. I tell patients to stay in the here and now and go one day at a time.”
2. Cancer Stage
The stage of mesothelioma at the time of diagnosis can have a significant impact on life expectancy. Pleural mesothelioma has four stages that describe the extent and spread of the cancer.
| Stage | Tumor Location | Average Life Expectancy |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | The tumor is limited to one area of the pleura. | 21 months |
| Stage 2 | The tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes. | 19 months |
| Stage 3 | The tumor has spread to more distant lymph nodes and possibly other organs. | 16 months |
| Stage 4 | The tumor has spread to distant organs. | 12 months |
Stage 4 Survivor Surpasses His Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Although advanced mesothelioma life expectancy is often shorter, many patients have defied the odds to become long-term mesothelioma survivors.
For example, retired construction worker John Stahl was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma in 2019 and is still alive today thanks to an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment with chemotherapy.
Mesothelioma survivor John Stahl was diagnosed with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma in 2019. More than 5 years later, he's still enjoying his golden years with his wife, Dee. Call us today at (866) 608-8933 to get the medical help you need to become a survivor. View Transcript.
Duration: 2 min 59 sec
Dee Stahl:
The day started out fine. We got up and John, which is unusual for him, just came out of the bedroom and just sat down, and he said, “I just don’t feel good.” And I knew something was wrong because John doesn’t complain. And I said, “Well, I think we should probably go to the ER.” They found out that there was over two liters of fluid on his left lung, and they were amazed that he was even able to breathe, period. They did a CAT scan, and that’s when he just said, “You have stage four mesothelioma, John.”
John Stahl:
I was kind of blank. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t realize that my job had exposed me to this.
Dee Stahl:
We’re the Stahls. I’m Dee, and this is my husband, John.
John Stahl:
My name is John Stahl. I was first exposed to asbestos poisoning through the construction business, through Sheetrock®, through gaskets, and piping all through my career. And I worked 43 years in the construction business. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. The first treatment was with chemotherapy, and I went every two weeks. It didn’t take long, an hour or so, but it would take me seven to 10 days to recover. That was hard for me because I’m a pretty active person. At first, it didn’t really sink in. The longer I thought about it, it’s gonna end my life eventually, but I’m gonna live it…as well as I can.
Dee Stahl:
Being with John through this, I’m glad I was here for him. He’s got a lot of support. He’s got a lot of friends and family that really care for him. But to be there, John made it easy because he was so positive. I’m just glad I was here for him. He held me up, really.
John Stahl:
Having Dee with me going through this was indescribable. It’s important for people to understand that there’s help and there’s people that are willing to help them.
Dee Stahl:
I think John’s positive attitude has kept him going like he has, having John so halfway healthy. I mean, he’s able to do things and be happy. John’s a very positive guy. He makes you happy.
3. Cell Type
There are three mesothelioma cell types that determine how tumor cells look and behave, how aggressively they spread, and how they respond to treatment.
The chart below shows the average mesothelioma life span with each cell type.
| Mesothelioma Cell Type | Average Life Expectancy |
|---|---|
| Epithelioid | 14 months |
| Sarcomatoid | 4 months |
| Biphasic | 10 months |
Epithelioid mesothelioma has the highest life expectancy since it’s the least aggressive cell type and the most responsive to treatment. But even if you have a different cell type, treatment options may be available.
4. Treatment
Accessing surgery, chemotherapy, and other mesothelioma treatments plays a crucial role in extending life expectancy.
How well a patient responds to treatment can significantly alter the course of the disease. Treatment can extend someone’s life expectancy with mesothelioma cancer by months or even years.
The average life expectancy without treatment is 4-12 months for pleural mesothelioma and 6-12 months for peritoneal mesothelioma. Even if you don’t qualify for aggressive treatments, you may be able to pursue palliative care to improve your quality of life.
5. Age, Lifestyle, Nutrition, and More
Other factors that can impact life expectancy with mesothelioma include:
- Age: Patients under 50 have the highest survival rates based on data from the NCI.
- Nutrition: In his battle with pleural mesothelioma, Arthur Putt tried multiple treatments that came with a host of side effects but had limited results. By adding specific nutrients to his diet, he eased his side effects and strengthened his immune system. Arthur has now surpassed his initial life expectancy by over 5 years.
- Overall health: Life expectancy is higher for non-smoking patients with no coexisting health conditions. These patients are usually eligible for mesothelioma surgery and tend to remain healthier for longer.
- Sex: Women with mesothelioma live longer on average than men. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), this might be because men have experienced longer and more intense exposure to asbestos in high-risk industries like shipbuilding and construction.
Connect with a specialist who can help you improve your mesothelioma life expectancy using our Free Doctor Match.
How to Improve Life Expectancy With Mesothelioma
Many mesothelioma survivors have far surpassed their initial life expectancy, so know that there is always hope. Some of the ways you may be able to improve life expectancy with mesothelioma are listed below.
- Ensure you have the right diagnosis. Get a second opinion if you’re not sure. Mesothelioma is rare and often misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay treatment. Knowing exactly what you’re up against — including your type, stage, cell type, and other factors — can help you fight it more effectively.
- Work with a mesothelioma specialist. A general oncologist likely won’t have the specialized experience to treat mesothelioma.
- Pursue palliative care. Studies show palliative care — which focuses on symptom relief, pain management, and other quality-of-life improvements — can actually extend survival. The earlier you get this type of care, the better.
- Manage your nutrition. Equipping your body with the nutrients it needs to withstand treatments and support your immune system can make a big difference. Work with a medical nutrition therapist to determine a meal plan that will work for you.
- Get specialized treatment. Perhaps the biggest factor of survival is getting treatment to slow or stop the spread of the cancer. Even if you’re not eligible for aggressive surgeries or other therapies, you may be able to pursue newer treatments through clinical trials or other means.
“If your doctor is not a professional and has not lived it and breathed it, get another oncologist. You need someone experienced — someone who’s going to fight for you and with you.”
Mesothelioma Life Expectancy With Treatment
The best way to increase your mesothelioma life expectancy after diagnosis is with treatment from a specialist.
Standard treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. New and emerging therapies are also showing promise in clinical trials.
Get more details about mesothelioma cancer life expectancy with treatment below.
Surgery
Patients who receive surgery have an average life expectancy of 19.8 months, according to a 2022 review of the National Cancer Database (NCDB).
Surgery allows mesothelioma doctors to physically remove as much of the cancer as possible. Patients may be able to receive chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in combination with surgery to kill more cancer cells.
Surgeries that can improve mesothelioma life expectancy include:
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Pleural mesothelioma. Patients have an average life expectancy of 26.8 months (with EPP, chemotherapy and radiation).
- Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D). Pleural mesothelioma. Patients have an average life expectancy of 34 months.
- Cytoreduction with HIPEC. Peritoneal mesothelioma. Patients have an average life expectancy of 53 months.
Chemotherapy
According to a 2020 OncLive report, mesothelioma patients who receive chemotherapy have an average life expectancy of 14.1 months. Those who qualify for surgery before or after chemotherapy typically have a higher life expectancy.
Mesothelioma chemotherapy involves administering powerful cancer-fighting medications through an IV in multiple cycles with periods of recovery between each session.
Jill’s Story: 15+ Years of Survival With Chemotherapy & Surgery
Jill’s Story: 15+ Years of Survival With Chemotherapy & SurgeryJill Litton was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2009, shortly after she celebrated her 50th birthday. She was given fewer than 2 years to live. However, she was determined to fight for more time with her family.
“Just because you have cancer and your doctor says you have a year to live doesn’t mean you must suddenly agree to those terms.”
– Jill Litton, 15+ year mesothelioma survivor
Jill received the chemotherapy medications pemetrexed and cisplatin and later underwent cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy. This treatment combination — along with her strong faith — helped her beat her prognosis and make more memories with her children and grandchildren.
You can read more about Jill’s journey and get tips for improving your life expectancy in our Free Survivors Guide.
Immunotherapy
Studies show that patients who receive immunotherapy have an average mesothelioma life span of 18.1 months. This number may continue to change as this newer therapy is used in more treatment plans.
Immunotherapy drugs work by training the body’s immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells more effectively, slowing down cancer growth.
Opdivo® and Yervoy® are the standard immunotherapy regimen for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. Another immunotherapy drug called Keytruda® was recently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2024.
Learn more about this promising new treatment in our Free Immunotherapy Guide.
Radiation Therapy
According to the NCDB, the average mesothelioma life expectancy with radiation therapy is 12.2 months.
Radiation therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die or stop dividing. Like other treatments, radiation can be combined with surgery to make it more effective and potentially extend life expectancy.
Emerging Treatments and Clinical Trials
Emerging treatments are also showing promise in increasing the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients.
Examples of emerging treatments include:
These and other emerging treatments continue to be tested and refined in mesothelioma clinical trials, offering renewed hope for patients whose cancer hasn’t responded to standard therapies.
Get Support to Improve Your Mesothelioma Life Span
If you or a family member is facing mesothelioma, remember that there’s always hope. Even patients who have been given just months to live have become long-term survivors in some cases — greatly outliving their projected life expectancy.
It’s possible to live a full life with this cancer, and Mesothelioma Hope is here to guide you toward a path of healing.
Our nurses and Patient Advocates can help you:
- Connect with doctors who can recommend life-extending treatment
- Find the latest clinical trials
- Get involved with a support group or peer mentor
- Explore ways to pay for medical expenses
Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with us right now or get started with our Free Doctor Match.
Life Expectancy With Mesothelioma Cancer FAQs
How long can you live with mesothelioma?
The average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients ranges from 12 to 21 months with treatment. However, life expectancy is not set in stone and can vary significantly based on the patient’s mesothelioma type, stage, and other circumstances.
With existing treatments continually improving and promising new therapies being discovered, patients have more opportunities than ever to live well beyond their prognosis.
Has anyone ever beat mesothelioma?
Yes, there have been cases of patients achieving remission from mesothelioma. Remission occurs when doctors cannot find evidence of cancer in a patient’s body.
One example is mesothelioma survivor Mary Jane Williams, who had been cancer-free for more than 14 years when she passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2018.
What is the mesothelioma life expectancy without treatment?
The mesothelioma life expectancy without treatment ranges from 4 months to 1 year depending on the type of this cancer and other factors.
- Pleural mesothelioma: 4-12 months without treatment
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: 6-12 months without treatment
These figures highlight how important it is to pursue treatment as soon as you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you’re concerned about side effects from treatment, talk to your care team or call us at (866) 608-8933 — there are palliative care options that can help you manage side effects and improve your quality of life.
What is the asbestos cancer life expectancy?
Asbestos exposure can cause several different health problems and cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and others. Life expectancy for asbestos-caused cancers will vary based on the type, stage, and other factors.
Lung cancer patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have an average life expectancy of 11-13 months.
Is there any hope for mesothelioma?
Yes, there is always hope for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. Advances in medical research and treatment options have significantly improved mesothelioma life expectancy in recent years.
Here are just a few reasons for hope:
- Advancements in surgery: Mesothelioma surgery can be very effective, including procedures like pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) for pleural mesothelioma and cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Emerging treatments: New treatments like targeted therapy show promise in treating mesothelioma more effectively and with fewer side effects than traditional methods.
- Improved chemotherapy regimens: New combinations of chemotherapy drugs are improving response rates and survival times for mesothelioma patients.
- Personalized medicine: Treatments are now better tailored to each patient based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, which has helped increase their life expectancy with mesothelioma.
Contact us today to find specialists in your area who can help increase your mesothelioma life expectancy.
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