Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate the medical and legal aspects of the disease. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to mesothelioma WebMD – to help you understand the disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
Table of Contents
- What is Mesothelioma?
- Causes of Mesothelioma
- Symptoms of Mesothelioma
- Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
- Stages of Mesothelioma
- Treatment of Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Prognosis
- Mesothelioma FAQs
- Mesothelioma Resources
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells, which are the cells that make up the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was commonly used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries until the 1970s.
There are three main types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma: affects the lining of the lungs
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: affects the lining of the abdomen
- Pericardial mesothelioma: affects the lining of the heart
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling (in peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Irregular heartbeat or chest tightness (in pericardial mesothelioma)
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of Mesothelioma
As mentioned earlier, mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become trapped in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, where they can cause inflammation and scarring over time.
It can take decades for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure, which is why most cases are diagnosed in people who were exposed to asbestos on the job many years ago.
It is also possible for mesothelioma to develop in people who were not directly exposed to asbestos but were exposed to fibers brought home on the clothing of a family member who worked with asbestos.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling (in peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Irregular heartbeat or chest tightness (in pericardial mesothelioma)
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be challenging, as its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, such as pneumonia or lung cancer. If your doctor suspects mesothelioma based on your symptoms and medical history, they may order several tests, including:
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan or MRI
- PET scan
- Tissue biopsy
If mesothelioma is confirmed, your doctor will determine the type and stage of the disease based on the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling (in peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Irregular heartbeat or chest tightness (in pericardial mesothelioma)
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Stages of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically classified into four stages, which indicate the extent of the cancer and its spread to other parts of the body.
- Stage 1: The cancer is confined to the lining of one side of the body.
- Stage 2: The cancer has spread beyond the lining of one side of the body and may have affected nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: The cancer has spread to other organs or tissues near the site of the original tumor.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues, such as the brain or bones.
The stage of mesothelioma will affect the treatment options and prognosis.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling (in peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Irregular heartbeat or chest tightness (in pericardial mesothelioma)
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment of Mesothelioma
Treating mesothelioma can be challenging, as it is usually diagnosed in the later stages of the disease when it has already spread to other parts of the body. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue
- Chemotherapy: to kill cancer cells with drugs
- Radiation therapy: to shrink or destroy the tumor with targeted radiation
- Immunotherapy: to boost the body’s immune system to fight the cancer
- Palliative care: to manage symptoms and improve quality of life
The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of mesothelioma and the patient’s overall health.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling (in peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Irregular heartbeat or chest tightness (in pericardial mesothelioma)
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Mesothelioma Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in the later stages of the disease when it has already spread to other parts of the body, which can make it more difficult to treat.
However, there have been some advances in mesothelioma treatment in recent years, and some patients have experienced improved outcomes and extended survival.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling (in peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Irregular heartbeat or chest tightness (in pericardial mesothelioma)
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Mesothelioma FAQs
What is the average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients?
The average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients varies depending on the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in the later stages of the disease when it has already spread to other parts of the body, which can make it more difficult to treat.
Can mesothelioma be cured?
There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but there have been some advances in treatment in recent years, and some patients have experienced improved outcomes and extended survival.
How is mesothelioma treated?
Mesothelioma may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or palliative care, depending on the type and stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Is mesothelioma always caused by asbestos exposure?
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, but in rare cases, it can be caused by other factors, such as radiation exposure or a genetic mutation.
Can mesothelioma be prevented?
Mesothelioma can be prevented by avoiding exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry that may expose you to asbestos, be sure to follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate protective gear.
Mesothelioma Resources
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are many resources available to help you navigate the medical and legal aspects of the disease. Some helpful resources include:
- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF)
- The American Cancer Society (ACS)
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
- The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
It is important to work closely with your healthcare team and legal counsel to ensure that you receive the best possible care and compensation for your condition.