Mesothelioma Stage 2

Stage 2 mesothelioma is the second stage of pleural mesothelioma. It’s considered early stage and localized because it has not spread far beyond the lungs.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in any stage, you may be eligible for compensation that can help you pay for medical care.

Call (800) 326-8900 now for a free legal consultation to see if our mesothelioma lawyers can help you.

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An image depicting a tumor growing within the lung

About Stage 2 Mesothelioma Cancer

In mesothelioma stage 2, the cancer has spread into the pleura (lung lining), as well as nearby lymph nodes and tissues of the lung. Stage 2 is still treatable, even though the cancer has started to spread.

The other types of mesothelioma aren’t classified by an official staging system — but doctors generally consider these cancers as either localized or advanced when making a diagnosis.

Localized mesothelioma is roughly equal to stage 1 or stage 2 as the cancer hasn’t spread far.

Fortunately, it’s possible to get financial aid after a mesothelioma diagnosis at any stage by working with Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the largest national mesothelioma law firms.

Call (800) 326-8900 now to get started. There’s no cost to speak with us.

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Causes of Stage 2 Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma stage 2 is caused by asbestos exposure. Microscopic asbestos fibers can be released into the air whenever asbestos products are used or disturbed. These fibers can then become lodged in the body’s internal lining after being inhaled or swallowed.

Asbestos fibers won’t leave the body once inside and will cause irritation for decades. After 10-50 years, healthy pleural cells can mutate into mesothelioma cells due to this damage.

Stage 2 Mesothelioma Symptoms

Stage 2 mesothelioma patients generally experience few to no symptoms, but the symptoms they do experience are similar to those in stage 1.

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma stage 2 may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Constant tiredness
  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath

Because the symptoms are often mild or not even existent, a patient might not be diagnosed with until the later mesothelioma stages, when symptoms become more severe.

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Stage 2 Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is the amount of time someone typically lives following a diagnosis.

The average life expectancy of pleural mesothelioma stage 2 is 19 months as noted by the medical journal Frontiers in Oncology.

That said, it may be possible to live for many years after a mesothelioma stage 2 diagnosis. The key is to get prompt medical care to kill as much of the cancer as possible.

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Mesothelioma Stage 2 Survival Rate

Survival rate is the percentage of patients still alive a set number of years after their cancer diagnosis.

For localized or stage 2 mesothelioma, the average 5-year survival rate is around 24%, according to the American Cancer Society.

However, aggressive treatments may help you to outlive the average. Call (800) 326-8900 now for help finding a doctor near you.

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Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Stage 2

While there is no cure for any stage of mesothelioma, treatments may be able to help patients live longer and more comfortably. Multimodal treatment plans combine multiple care options for the best results.

Which treatments may be right for you depends on several factors, such as your overall health and age at time of diagnosis.

Two doctors perform surgery

Surgery

There are generally two common surgeries for pleural mesothelioma stage 2:

  • Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): An EPP removes cancer tumors along with the lung closest to them, parts of the diaphragm, the pericardium (the lining of the heart) and the pleura.
  • Pleurectomy with Decortication (P/D): P/D allows doctors to take out just the cancer tumors and the lining of the lungs. Since neither lung is removed, patients are often able to recover in less time and with a lower risk of complications than an EPP.

The goal of surgery for mesothelioma stage 2 is to remove the tumor before it spreads and reaches advanced stages (which are more difficult to treat).

A patient's arm is shown with an iv for chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill mesothelioma cells. It may be used before, during or after surgery to treat stage 2 pleural mesothelioma by shrinking tumors or destroying cancer cells that were left behind.

Radiation therapy machine

Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy

Mesothelioma radiation therapy relies on X-rays and other energy beams to break up cancer tumors. Doctors may use radiation therapy to shrink tumors before mesothelioma stage 2 surgery or afterward to prevent cancer from returning (recurring).

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Clinical Trials and New Treatment Options

Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatment options for mesothelioma at any stage. They can be a great way to try emerging treatment methods. Ask your doctor if you qualify for any clinical trials.

Mesothelioma treatments can be key to living longer — but they can add up to over $400,000 in many cases.

Call (800) 326-8900 now to see if you qualify for compensation that can help with these costs.

Get Help from Our Mesothelioma Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any stage of mesothelioma stage 2, it’s important to consider taking legal action. You may be entitled to compensation.

Companies that made and sold asbestos-containing products knew the dangers for decades — but did nothing. By working with Simmons Hanly Conroy, you can get help holding these asbestos companies accountable for your illness.

Our mesothelioma lawyers have helped recover more than $9.3 billion for those with mesothelioma nationwide.

Get a free legal consultation now to see if our mesothelioma lawyers can help your family.

Get a Free Legal Consultation

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Hear from a Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor

For over 40 years, John worked as a construction worker, regularly handling asbestos products during that time. But he was never told that asbestos causes deadly illnesses like mesothelioma.

In 2019, decades later, John was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma. By the time he experienced his first symptoms, the cancer had already spread significantly.

“They did a CT Scan. Then we went in for the results. That’s when he just said, ‘You have stage 4 mesothelioma, John.’ We were shocked.”
– Dee, John’s Wife

John and Dee turned to Simmons Hanly Conroy for help getting justice — and securing compensation for his medical care and more.

“We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit to hold companies accountable. … I don’t know how these people slept at night, knowing people were being exposed to asbestos, poisoning their bodies.”
– John, 3+ Year Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor

Several years later, John is back on the go, playing golf twice a week and enjoying his life with his friends and family.

John Stahl and his wife pose in front of a waterfall

Read John’s Story

Stage 2 Pleural Mesothelioma FAQs

How long can you live with stage 2 mesothelioma?

Generally speaking, stage 2 pleural mesothelioma patients live for around 19 months on average. Some patients may live longer or shorter lives as a result.

It may be possible to live for many years after a mesothelioma stage 2 diagnosis depending on the patient, their health, treatment options and more.

Is stage 2 mesothelioma curable?

No. Pleural mesothelioma stage 2 is not curable. However, getting diagnosed and receiving aggressive treatments early may be able to extend your life expectancy and improve your quality of life.

What is the stage 2 mesothelioma prognosis?

The mesothelioma stage 2 prognosis (expected health outlook) is measured by factors like survival rate and life expectancy.

For mesothelioma that’s localized or in stage 2, the average 5-year survival rate is around 24%, according to the American Cancer Society.

What is the life expectancy with mesothelioma stage 2?

The stage 2 mesothelioma life expectancy is 19 months, according to a study in Frontiers in Oncology. However, it’s important to remember that this is just an average.

Overall life expectancy with stage 2 mesothelioma depends on various factors, including overall health, mesothelioma cell type, age and more.

Simmons Support Team
Amy Fair R.N.Reviewed by:Amy Fair R.N.

Director of Medical Relations

  • Fact-Checked
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Amy fills a unique role helping guide patients and families through the often confusing and overwhelming steps following an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis. Assisted by 14 medical assistants and a Licensed Practical Nurse, Amy and her medical team provide healthcare information and explain treatment options to those recently diagnosed and throughout the progression of their disease.

View Sources
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