Editing Survival Statistics (section)

== What Are Current Mesothelioma Survival Rates by Stage? ==

Stage at diagnosis remains one of the most important prognostic factors for mesothelioma patients.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-diagnosis/mesothelioma-cancer-guide-2/ Mesothelioma Cancer Guide], Danziger & De Llano</ref> The SEER database, which represents the most comprehensive cancer statistics in the United States, categorizes survival by localized, regional, and distant disease stages rather than traditional TNM staging.

Localized mesothelioma, where the cancer remains confined to the pleura or peritoneum without spread to lymph nodes or distant sites, shows 23% 5-year relative survival.<ref>[https://dandell.com/malignant-mesothelioma/ Malignant Mesothelioma], Danziger & De Llano</ref> Regional disease, indicating spread to nearby lymph nodes or adjacent structures, demonstrates 15% 5-year survival. Distant metastatic disease, where cancer has spread to remote organs or distant lymph nodes, shows 11% 5-year survival.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/mesothelioma-cancer/stages/ Stages of Mesothelioma], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

The AJCC Cancer Staging System Version 9, now applied to cases diagnosed from 2025 forward, provides more detailed staging criteria that better predict outcomes.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-diagnosis/mesothelioma-cancer-risks/ Mesothelioma Cancer Risks], Danziger & De Llano</ref> Early-stage patients (stages I-II) who undergo aggressive multimodal treatment including surgery typically achieve median survival of 21-24 months, with select patients surviving 5 years or longer.

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| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5; color:#333333;" | "Stage at diagnosis significantly influences both treatment options and outcomes. We work to ensure families understand how staging affects not only prognosis but also their legal timeline for pursuing compensation."
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| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right; color:#333333;" | '''— Paul Danziger,''' Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
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