Unfortunately, the prognosis for stage 1 mesothelioma is not very encouraging. Treatment for mesothelioma is generally only successful in early stages, and even then, it is usually only successful in extending life expectancy a short period of time.
At stage 1, mesothelioma is typically only found in the organ where it began, and it has not yet spread to other areas of the body. This is the most favorable stage for successful treatment; however, even then, it is difficult to cure mesothelioma.
The standard treatment for stage 1 mesothelioma is surgery, which may include removal of the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. This is often followed by chemotherapy and radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, this treatment can be successful in completely removing the mesothelioma. However, because the cancer cells can be difficult to detect, it is not always possible to completely remove the cancer.
If the cancer is not completely removed, it is possible to slow its progression by using chemotherapy and radiation. This can buy a patient more time, but it is not a cure.
In very rare cases, stage 1 mesothelioma can be cured with surgery, but this depends on a few factors. The patient's overall health, the size and location of the tumor, and the type of mesothelioma all play a role in determining whether or not the cancer can be cured.
Even in the best case scenarios, stage 1 mesothelioma is rarely curable. However, with early detection and aggressive treatment, mesothelioma patients can extend their life expectancy and enjoy an improved quality of life.