Stage 3 Mesothelioma

Unlike the first two stages of mesothelioma, Stage 3 is considered to be an advanced stage of cancer development – and this greatly affects treatment options. Symptoms at this stage can present frequent pain and there are only a few treatments that can provide relief. Because of the limited amount of treatments available, coupled with the fact that there is no mesothelioma cure, prognosis is not typically favorable for Stage 3 patients. Learning more about the definition, symptoms, treatment options, prognosis and resources for Stage 3 mesothelioma helps patients comprehend their condition and make important decisions.

Stage 3 mesothelioma is defined by how far the cancer has spread from its original location. For example, Stage 3 pleural mesothelioma can be noted by a local invasion of tumors in the chest wall. A small invasion of tumors in the lining of the heart may also designate Stage 3 mesothelioma. If the lymph glands or abdominal cavity on the same side of the initial tumor has been affected, a doctor will likely confirm a Stage 3 diagnosis.

To get more questions answered about Stage 3 mesothelioma and other types of the cancer, fill out the form below to receive an informative packet for free.

Symptoms of Stage 3 Mesothelioma

By the time mesothelioma progresses to Stage 3, symptoms may consistently affect breathing and cause severe pain. Stage 3 patients often experience more coughing and shortness of breath than patients with Stage 1 or 2, even while resting. Since the cancer, at this stage, has spread beyond its initial location of development, symptoms may be felt in other areas of the body. For example, Stage 3 pleural mesothelioma may include both chest pain and abdominal pain, if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. Small bowel obstruction is a symptom noted by a small percentage of late-stage peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Treating Stage 3 Mesothelioma

Stage 3 mesothelioma will significantly affect the amount of treatment options available to a patient. The tumor spreading associated with Stage 3 is the factor that makes treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy difficult or minimally effective. Although this stage of mesothelioma typically disqualifies patients from surgical consideration, some Stage 3 cases are still candidates for surgical removal of a bulk tumor. Surgery may be preceded or followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to promote the death of more cancerous cells.
Since Stage 3 patients typically do not qualify for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used to relieve symptoms and potentially extend life expectancy. In one study, only six of 30 Stage 3 patients failed to show improvement in chest pain and coughing after a chemotherapy and radiation therapy regimen. For most Stage 3 cases, treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prolong survival.

Prognosis for Stage 3 Patients

Stage 3 mesothelioma patients typically have a short prognosis, ranging anywhere from a few months to more than a year after diagnosis. Prognosis for Stage 3 cases is generally poor because there are very few treatment options available that could significantly extend life expectancy. Surgery, which can sometimes improve prognosis, is not always recommended for patients with Stage 3 mesothelioma because of the extent of the cancer and the difficulty of removing all the tumors.

It is important to remember that each mesothelioma case is different. Only a mesothelioma specialist can provide a prognosis for each patient’s individual case. There have been a number of mesothelioma survivors who have outlived their prognosis and serve as a source of hope for other patients and their families.

Resources for Stage 3 Patients

Patients with Stage 3 mesothelioma should not be discouraged because each case is unique. While one patient might not respond positively to treatment, another might live much longer than their anticipated life expectancy. If you would like to learn more about how doctors might treat your specific case, consider calling our Doctor Match program at (800) 549-0544. More information on Stage 3 mesothelioma can be requested by filling out the form on this page.