Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that primarily targets the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective lining over many internal organs. Asbestos has long been associated with this disease. Asbestos was a high-heat material widely used across various industries. The causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mesothelioma are critical for the patient and family.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. When the inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers get trapped under the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, inflammation and cellular modification result, which can develop into cancer. Though exposure to asbestos is the key risk factor, other factors that may lead to such conditions are as well as follows:
Exposure to Environment: Those people who stay close to mines and manufacturing plants of asbestos are also at risk.
Exposure at work: People whose occupations involved working in construction, shipbuilding, or automotive industries, for instance, are in more risk since they utilized asbestos.
Genetic Risk: A few researchers have claimed that there is a genetic susceptibility that would contribute to the risk of receiving mesothelioma
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma primarily comprises one of the following types; each based on the location affected in the body:
Pleural Mesothelioma: This is the most common type at around 75%; pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura, which is the lining that covers the lungs. Symptoms are often shortness of breath, chest pain, and persistent coughing.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This affects the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity and accounts for approximately 10-20% of cases. Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, and digestive problems.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: This occurs in the lining around the heart, called the pericardium. It is generally very hard to diagnose due to this being an exceptionally rare location.
Testicular Mesothelioma: The least common form, as it affects the lining of the testicles, is very rare and poorly understood.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Due to the fact that the types of mesothelioma may present differently and range in severity, the symptoms will vary depending on the type and stage at which the disease is diagnosed. Common symptoms include:
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Persistent cough
Breathing difficulty
Tightness or pain in the chest
Unexplained weight loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Abdominal pain or swelling
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in bowel habits
Loss of weight
Early symptoms are usually nonspecific and may be confused with many other diseases, hence generally have a delayed diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
The diagnosis of mesothelioma involves a range of imaging tests and biopsy procedures. The most common investigative steps in the diagnosis process would include:
Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs generally form the initial step to view any abnormalities in the lungs or abdomen.
Biopsy: If mesothelioma is suspected due to imaging tests, a biopsy might be performed. This can be done under minimally invasive conditions such as thoracoscopy or laparoscopy.
Pathological Examination: The biopsy samples are reviewed by a pathologist for the presence of mesothelioma cells.
Treatment of Mesothelioma
The treatment of mesothelioma depends on several factors; these include the type and stage of cancer, the overall health of the patient, and patient preferences. The following are common treatments in such cases:
For localized forms of the disease, surgery is used to remove the tumor and the surrounding tissue. Depending on the type of pleural mesothelioma the patient has, either pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy may be performed.
Chemotherapy: This is a systemic therapy where chemotherapy attacks cancer cells or reduces tumors by targeting all the cells that the new growth affects. It is usually administered combined with surgical intervention or solely in the advanced cases.
Radiation therapy: Focused radiation may shrink a tumor or alleviate symptoms, especially where surgery is not possible.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is the newest form of treatment where there is a possibility of enhancing the body’s immune reaction to cancer cells. Immunotherapy is being researched in clinical trials for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma prognosis varies extensively based on the stage at diagnosis, patient age, and more. Because the signs of mesothelioma do not typically appear until quite a few years into the disease, by the time it is diagnosed, it often is at a stage where it is not a very hopeful diagnosis, with a five-year survival rate of only about 10%. However, advances in treatment are being made regularly, and research is ongoing to be able to give a better prognosis.
For patients with mesothelioma and their families, the following sources of support exist:
Support Groups: Connecting with others who face similar challenges will provide emotional support and practical advice.
Counseling Services: Professional counseling can help the patients and their families cope with the emotional impact of this diagnosis.
Legal Assistance: This is because mesothelioma has a connection with asbestos exposure, so legal support would also be needed in claims for compensation against parties at fault.
Mesothelioma is a complex and aggressive cancer that for the most part has been diagnosed through asbestos exposure. Knowing about the causation, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mesothelioma may be important to those who suffer from it. Although prognosis might not be the easiest thing to deal with, as studies continue and support continues to be developed, this offers hope and help to those afflicted and their loved ones. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms associated with mesothelioma, getting medical attention promptly can offer a better opportunity at evaluation and treatment.