The 4 Stages of Mesothelioma....

Stage 3 Mesothelioma Cancer

Stage three of mesothelioma cancer is the third of four stages. Only one stage behind the final stage of the disease, victims in stage 3 are considered to be in the advanced part of mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma during stage 3 become much more frequent and pain more severe. Unfortunately, there is little treatment that will alleviate the pain and prognosis is usually grim once patients hit stage 3.

However, patients are encouraged to educate themselves about the stage of their disease, mesothelioma treatment plans, and coping mechanisms in order to make their quality of life as smooth as possible. Keep in mind that diet, meditation, low-stress levels, exercise, and other factors will help to prolong a patient’s lifespan, and each case of Stage 3 is unique according to each patient.

Stage 3 Symptoms 

Severe chest pain and extreme difficulties in breathing is the most common symptoms for stage 3  malignant mesothelioma patients. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue.

For peritoneal mesothelioma patients, stage 3 brings about symptoms consisting of bowel blockage, abdominal cramps and pain, night sweats, and weight loss.

All stage 3 victims may experience nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and anemia. However, it’s important to remember that some patients may experience a few symptoms while others may go through every symptom.

Stage 3 Treatments

With the tumor spreading during this stage of mesothelioma, treatment options are limited. Surgery and radiation therapy usually produce minimal success since the tumors are too far spread out to effectively eliminate. However, surgery may be possible only if the patient has a bulk tumor in a specific area.

Treatment during this stage is more focused on extending life expectancy and helping to reduce and minimize symptoms and pain. Therefore, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used a regime to promote more easier life. Most patients experience pain reduction once chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy has begun.

Stage 3 Prognosis

The prognosis for stage 3 can be anywhere from a few months to more than a year, depending upon the patient and the circumstances. In most cases, prognosis is grim as the treatment available does little to remove the tumor when it has spread during this stage.

Keep in mind, however, that you should always consult with a mesothelioma medical professional concerning your own prognosis. As previously mentioned, each person is different, and while some may not be candidates for surgery during this stage, others may qualify and significantly extend their life expectancy.

In addition, it’s imperative for patients to work with their physicians in establishing good mental and physical health habits. Many patients have extended their life expectancy way past prognosis by changing their eating habits, meditating, and exercising as much as possible.

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