The stage of mesothelioma cancer describes how far the tumor has spread from where it first appeared. Mesothelioma advances more the farther the tumor spreads. The primary difference between stage 1 and 2 is that cancer cells have started to spread into the lymph nodes surrounding the main site of the tumor. As soon as this happens, doctors classify it as stage 2, no matter how small the growths on the tumor are.
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is challenging to diagnose at stage 2 because its typical symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. These include difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, fever, and chest pain. As a result, doctors sometimes misdiagnose the condition as pneumonia or the flu. Thus, most mesothelioma diagnoses occur after the cancer is beyond this stage. However, it’s not unheard of for the disease to be identified at stage 2 through cancer screening or even by accident when a patient is having their chest examined for an unrelated condition.
Life Expectancy
While a diagnosis in stage 1 is associated with the most favorable outcome, the prognosis of stage 2 still offers multiple aggressive treatment options to extend life expectancy. The two-year survival rate for stage 2 mesothelioma is approximately 38 percent. According to the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, patients will survive an average of 20 months at this stage. Keep in mind these figures are just a guideline: Your individual life expectancy will depend on a number of factors, including your age and health.
Treatment Options
There are numerous treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Often, doctors recommend a combination of the three. Sadly, there is no cure for stage 2 mesothelioma (or any stage of the disease). However, these treatment options may help prolong your life by months or even years.
Contact an Asbestos Lawyer
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the asbestos attorneys at Morgan & Morgan — you may be eligible for financial compensation. The price of pain is infinite, but getting the compensation you deserve can cover your medical bills and secure the financial future of your family. Choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference following a mesothelioma diagnosis. All law firms are not the same. At Morgan & Morgan, we never settle for less than your case is worth, even if it means going to trial. If we go forward with your case, we’ll assign you a full team of lawyers and legal staff complete with 24/7 communication via our mobile app. Don’t go through this alone — Morgan & Morgan may be able to get you the compensation and justice you need to focus on what matters most. We’ve recovered billions of dollars on behalf of victims like you. Find out if you might be eligible to receive compensation by filling out a free case evaluation form today.