Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer for which there is, as of yet, no curative treatment. There are however a number of treatment options available which extend life expectancy and control pain and suffering. These treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and alternative forms of treatment. At the present time there are a number of clinical trials ongoing in relation to the benefits of using various combinations of chemotherapy drugs.
The prognosis depends on at what stage the condition is diagnosed, and the treatment options then available.
At the present time average life expectancy for a mesothelioma sufferer is 12 to 18 months from diagnosis. However, some sufferers have been known to live for much longer with the condition.