Mesothelioma Cancer: A Guide for Patients & Loved Ones
Mesothelioma cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. It most commonly forms in the lining around the lungs or abdomen. Average life expectancy is 18 – 31 months. Symptoms can include chest pain and shortness of breath. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can help improve survival.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, develops in the linings of certain tissues. Pleural and peritoneal are the two most common types of mesothelioma. These types develop in the lining around the lungs or the abdomen, respectively. Other types are pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma. There are also different mesothelioma cell types.
Mesothelioma cancer develops after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that often creates dust or powder. If inhaled or ingested, the fibers can lodge in internal organs and later cause tumors to develop. People with occupational asbestos exposure risks have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma life expectancy ranges from 18 to 31 months, with treatment. In general, treatment may help improve factors like quality of life and survival. Treatment plans may include traditional methods like surgery and chemotherapy or newer methods like immunotherapy. Multimodal plans, which are plans with different treatments combined, are common.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma disease symptoms can take 10 – 50 years to present after initial asbestos exposure. When symptoms do appear, they can easily be mistaken for less serious illnesses. Similar symptoms may occur with the flu, pneumonia or intestinal troubles.
This latency period and delay in symptom reporting may complicate the mesothelioma diagnostic process. If you or a loved one have a history of asbestos exposure, it can be helpful to disclose that exposure to a doctor who can do periodic checkups. This may help lead to an earlier diagnosis and treatment plan.
With an earlier diagnosis, patients may have different treatment options. In some cases, early detection may improve a mesothelioma prognosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos is the only definitive cause of mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they may embed in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Over time, the fibers can cause inflammation and scarring. This irritation can later lead to the development of mesothelioma tumors.
Before the 1980s, many industries used asbestos. Along with others, the construction and automotive industries frequently exposed workers to asbestos.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?
Individuals who were often in contact with asbestos are the most at risk of developing this disease. However, any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma.
Workers in asbestos industries generally experienced higher rates of exposure. These workers may have experienced asbestos exposure at their jobsite. Asbestos can also be a danger to individuals who did not work with it.
For example, workers can bring home the small fibers on their clothing, hair and skin. In this way, it can expose the families and loved ones of workers to asbestos. This is called secondary exposure, or secondhand exposure. Secondary exposure is a risk factor for anyone living with asbestos workers.
