What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective membrane covering the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. This rare cancer is frequently caused by exposure to asbestos or other lung irritants. A highly aggressive disease, mesothelioma is frequently resistant to most common cancer treatments. There is no cure for this serious illness, but many researchers are focused on this field. Inducing remission has been successful in some patients, and there are treatment options to relieve pain, extend life expectancy, and improve a patient's quality of life.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The primary symptoms of early stage mesothelioma are chest pain, coughing, and fatigue. Although caused by asbestos, symptoms of this cancer may not appear until up to fifty years after exposure to the irritant. In general, mesothelioma does not appear until at least twenty years following initial exposure. Due to the fact that the early symptoms are mild and can be caused by many other diseases, combined with the late appearance after exposure, mesothelioma often goes undiagnosed until symptoms worsen and the cancer becomes more serious. Later symptoms can include anemia, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea or constipation, chest pain, bowel obstruction, and night sweats. The prognosis is much better when the disease is caught in early stages. As such, anyone that has been exposed to asbestos should see a doctor immediately if they experience persistent chest pain, coughing, or fatigue.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms overlap with symptoms of many other diseases. As a result, diagnosis can be difficult. Patients presenting symptoms of this serious cancer will undergo a complete physical, imaging tests, tissue biopsies, and lung functioning tests. Further tests, such as fluid biopsies, magnetic resonance images, and blood tests may also be ordered by an oncologist to get a complete picture of the disease.

Types of Mesothelioma

As noted above, the mesothelium covers the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. Any organs that are covered by this protective membrane can be affected during the course of mesothelioma. Three primary types of mesothelioma, that target three different regions, have been identified. Over 75% of all mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma, which is centered in the pleural lining of the lungs. These patients are likely to experience shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain, and muscle fatigue. Peritoneum mesothelioma is centered in the peritoneum, or membrane covering the organs of the abdomen. Peritoneum mesothelioma causes fever, diarrhea and constipation, weight loss, blood-clotting abnormalities, fluid accumulation, and bowel obstruction. The final and most rare type of mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or membrane surrounding the heart. Rare and aggressive, pericardial mesothelioma causes severe chest pain, heart palpitations, respiratory problems, chest pain, and coughing. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma are frequently not candidates for surgery as this form of the disease is not typically diagnosed until later stages.

Who Gets Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos. The irritants are breathed in, traveling to internal organs throughout the body. Depending on where the asbestos lands in their travels, the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs can be affected. Anyone who works with asbestos materials for a living is at an increased risk for this serious disease. Examples of professions dealing with this dangerous substance include: some military veterans, construction workers, renovation crews, mechanics, insulators, asbestos mine workers and millers, boiler workers, and asbestos manufacturing employees. Due to the serious nature of this disease, anyone employed in these professions, as well as others who have worked with asbestos, should seek medical attention immediately if they display the above listed symptoms.

Living With Mesothelioma

Although mesothelioma is classified as an aggressive cancer, some patients have lived many years with this disease. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques are all important for maintaining a high quality of life. While mesothelioma cannot be cured, the proper treatment and a positive outlook can help ensure the happiness and comfort of most patients.