Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that primarily begins in the tissues surrounding your lungs. It’s rare but aggressive. It may not be discovered until it has spread to other areas of your body.
Your major organs, including your lungs and heart, contain protective tissues called mesothelium. Cancer that affects these tissues is known as mesothelioma or malignant mesothelioma. It most commonly begins in the pleural layer of the lungs.
Although mesothelioma can occur in various areas of the body, this article focuses on mesothelioma of the lungs.
Overall, mesothelioma is rare. The American Lung Association estimates there are 3,000 new cases in the United States each year. The rate of new cases has declined since the 1990s, potentially due to the reduction of workplace exposure to asbestos.
Nevertheless, mesothelioma is still an aggressive cancer that may not cause symptoms until it has spread (metastasized) to other areas of the body. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
This article takes a closer look at mesothelioma, including its possible symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Symptoms of mesothelioma most often develop when the cancer has spread (metastasized) to nearby locations or other areas of your body.
The types of symptoms you experience may also depend on where the cancer is located. For example, pleural mesothelioma may cause breathing problems.
Overall, the possible symptoms of this cancer may include:
- chronic cough
- breathing difficulties
- pain underneath your ribs
- swelling or visible lumps in your abdominal area
- constipation, nausea, and other gastrointestinal complaints
- fatigue
- fever
- unintentional weight loss
- facial or arm swelling
Is mesothelioma a fast-growing cancer?
Despite its aggressive nature, mesothelioma is not considered a fast-growing cancer. In fact, it may take between
The exact cause of mesothelioma isn’t known, but asbestos exposure is considered the greatest risk factor. In fact, it’s estimated that about 80% of people with mesothelioma have previous exposure to asbestos.
Some of the
- mining
- auto manufacturing
- railroad repair
- shipbuilding
- insulation or cement associated with construction or repair
- paper milling
- ceramics
Inhaling asbestos can lead to irritation and inflammation in your lung tissues. Eventually, subsequent damage may then cause cancerous cells to develop. Swallowing asbestos particles can have similar effects on other areas of the body affected by this cancer.
Thus, if you previously were exposed to asbestos in your home or at work, you may have a greater risk of developing this cancer at some point.
Although asbestos has been banned for more than 30 years, previous exposure from earlier in life can still increase your cancer risk.
At the same time, it’s important to know that asbestos exposure doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop mesothelioma. In fact, most people who were exposed to asbestos do not develop this cancer.
Other known risk factors for mesothelioma include:
- genetic mutations
- increased age
- a history of radiation exposure, such as those used for cancer treatments
To diagnose mesothelioma, a doctor will first ask you about the symptoms you’re experiencing and about any known history of asbestos exposure. Then, they will perform a physical exam and order blood testing.
Imaging tests are among the key diagnostic tools for a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A chest X-ray can reveal tumors, abnormal plaques, and fluid buildup between your lungs and chest wall (pleural effusion). A CT scan can take images of other parts of the body that may be affected by this cancer.
If a doctor confirms the presence of pleural effusion, they may order ultrasound imaging with fine needle aspiration. This is primarily done to rule out other possible causes of fluid buildup, such as heart failure.
A biopsy is the next and final step of a mesothelioma diagnosis. With the help of guided imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, a doctor takes a small sample of abnormal tissue and sends it to a lab for further analysis.
Another aspect of mesothelioma diagnosis involves ruling out lung cancer. These two types of cancers have similar symptoms, but imaging tests and a biopsy can help a doctor determine which condition you have.
If your doctor diagnoses mesothelioma, they may want to run additional imaging tests to determine how far the cancer has spread. This is usually done with a PET scan as well as possible biopsies of other tissues.
Mesothelioma currently doesn’t have a cure, though treatment may help extend your life span.
A doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options for mesothelioma:
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer. Early treatment is crucial. Researchers suggest the median survival rate is
The exact survival rates vary based on your age, treatment response, and overall health. According to the
The 5-year relative survival rate for mesothelioma diagnosed in its earliest, localized stage is higher at 24%.
It’s also important to know that these statistics are the latest numbers taken from people who received a diagnosis of mesothelioma between 2012 and 2018. As such, technologies in diagnosis and treatment continue to evolve and can affect the average outlook more positively.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the linings of your organs, most often your lungs. While rare and decreasing in occurrence, mesothelioma is still a serious and aggressive disease. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help improve the overall outlook of people with this cancer.
If you or a loved one is experiencing possible symptoms that may point to mesothelioma, it’s important to talk with a doctor right away.
You may also consider talking with a doctor if you have a known history of asbestos exposure so they can recommend the appropriate next steps.